Will the "MJ7" 4.3 Update block use of other GSM SIM Cards? - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

*I also have a Verizon branded Samsung galaxy s4 that I am currently using on T Mobile. I put my tmobile sim in it and it works just fine after I changed the APN settings to the T mobile settings so I would get the data, MMS and picture messaging, et cetera et cetera. However I recently noticed that Verizon just released a major firmware update that will update it from the most current version that we all have: Android version 4.2.2 with firmware/baseband:I545VRUAM(E)7 TO Android 4.3= with firmware/baseband :I545VRUAM(J)7. anyways, this new firmware... Allegedly, once it is applied not only does it update the android version,..but it is supposed to unlock all of the of the available AWS - LTE bands that the phones hardware is quite capable of and other technologies that a lot of other carriers use for their high speed data. So effectively once the update date is applied... instead of getting only a 3G UMTS BAND 3 or H+ (HSPAP) BAND 15, The phone should effectively be getting 4G and or LTE, or the capability of using other bands in a lot of areas using T-mobile(or other GSM carriers) on the phone. I have not yet downloaded and applied the update to my phone because I'm a bit hesitant. My phone is working fine now and the maximum data speed I get is either 3G/UMTS BAND 3 or a Idle on 3G and H+ (HSPAP) BAND 15 when data is active, however I would love to be able to get the other bands on my phone. I'm just a bit concerned that I wonder if when the new firmware update is applied will it possibly put a restriction or sim card/GSM/ or other type of carrier lock on the phone that was never there before? Effectively not allowing me to use the tmobile sim card in the Verizon Galaxy S4 any longer? So I just wanted to reach out to other people in the same situation to see what firmware version others are using thats allowing use of a tmobile sim card, and anyone who has successfully done the new firmware update and are still able to use the tmobile (or other carriers sim cards) in the phone with no new negative issues or restrictions or locks. Thanks so much I'd appreciate any feedback. -Rob
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app

Works without any problem, nothing gets blocked.
SCH-i545 (S4) Rooted VRUEMJ7 4.3

So u have actually tried using a tmobile or other carriers gsm sim for domestic use after the MJ7 update, and it still works fine like before for you? Thanks ! I appreciate your help!
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app

Questions and help issues go in Q&A and Help section
Thread moved
Thanks
FNM

Im using it internationally. works perfect

So, after the new update since it is a verizon phone you're telling me that there's still no problem with putting a local t mobile samsung in the phone and using it as I have been? Thanks
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app

Related

GSM Works on DINC4G, Here is how to do it...

I was curious because I heard that the Droid Incredible 4G has a GSM radio in it so I did an experiment. I used a T-mobile micro SIM. I used the 4GLTE switch app for the Thunderbolt to access the hidden menu and I changed the radio mode to one that included GSM/W-CDMA. I popped in my T-mobile SIM and, presto, I got a T-mobile signal. I tested and I was able to make and receive calls and text messages. I had to manually set the APN for data to epc.tmobile.com and now I have EDGE data. I am sure an AT&T Sim will get HSPA+. The GSM appears unlocked now but hard to access. I am afraid, however, that once Verizon releases the update to make GSM roaming available, that it will be locked. Anyway, for now, you can pop in a GSM SIM and use your phone native.
Brooose said:
I was curious because I heard that the Droid Incredible 4G has a GSM radio in it so I did an experiment. I used a T-mobile micro SIM. I used the 4GLTE switch app for the Thunderbolt to access the hidden menu and I changed the radio mode to one that included GSM/W-CDMA. I popped in my T-mobile SIM and, presto, I got a T-mobile signal. I tested and I was able to make and receive calls and text messages. I had to manually set the APN for data to epc.tmobile.com and now I have EDGE data. I am sure an AT&T Sim will get HSPA+. The GSM appears unlocked now but hard to access. I am afraid, however, that once Verizon releases the update to make GSM roaming available, that it will be locked. Anyway, for now, you can pop in a GSM SIM and use your phone native.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if its like verizon other global settings (inc2) you can request the unlock code from them (they ll give you crap about using their intl plans first, but just yell until someone does it)
Brooose said:
I was curious because I heard that the Droid Incredible 4G has a GSM radio in it so I did an experiment. I used a T-mobile micro SIM. I used the 4GLTE switch app for the Thunderbolt to access the hidden menu and I changed the radio mode to one that included GSM/W-CDMA. I popped in my T-mobile SIM and, presto, I got a T-mobile signal. I tested and I was able to make and receive calls and text messages. I had to manually set the APN for data to epc.tmobile.com and now I have EDGE data. I am sure an AT&T Sim will get HSPA+. The GSM appears unlocked now but hard to access. I am afraid, however, that once Verizon releases the update to make GSM roaming available, that it will be locked. Anyway, for now, you can pop in a GSM SIM and use your phone native.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very nice info there Broose. Thanks for taking the time to try it.
Brooose said:
I was curious because I heard that the Droid Incredible 4G has a GSM radio in it so I did an experiment. I used a T-mobile micro SIM. I used the 4GLTE switch app for the Thunderbolt to access the hidden menu and I changed the radio mode to one that included GSM/W-CDMA. I popped in my T-mobile SIM and, presto, I got a T-mobile signal. I tested and I was able to make and receive calls and text messages. I had to manually set the APN for data to epc.tmobile.com and now I have EDGE data. I am sure an AT&T Sim will get HSPA+. The GSM appears unlocked now but hard to access. I am afraid, however, that once Verizon releases the update to make GSM roaming available, that it will be locked. Anyway, for now, you can pop in a GSM SIM and use your phone native.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works on AT&T with EDGE data as well. I haven't gotten HSPA (any variant) or AT&T LTE working, and I can't play with it too much because it's not my SIM
ATT LTE won't work because the frequencies are different from Verizon but I am surprised that HSPA didn't work. Did you use a setting that included W-CDMA? GSM only would likely mean Edge only.
Sent from my ADR6410LVW using xda premium
Can you link the app you used that worked?
No problems switching back?
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.andirc.lteonfoff
from my ADR6410LVW using xda premium
Im afraid I cant get this to work. Does it require a rooted phone?
I have the app, I have a T Mobile micro sim installed. I click on the drop down menu (within the app) and choose the first menu item "Select radio band" and pick PCS (1900-MHz Band) and I get a "successful" prompt afterwards (only when the Tmo sim is installed btw).
I am unable to choose "GSM Only & GSM auto (PRL)" menu choices. Is this normal? I am able to choose GSM/WCDMA/LTE auto though. I dont get any sim error messages, but the phone never seems to want to camp on any GSM network.
You are looking in the wrong place. You need the drop down menu that includes GSM, W-CDMA, EVDO, LTE in various combinations. Select one with GSM in it. Also, I found that you need to have your Verizon SIM in first and then hot swap it with the t-mobile sim.
On the Rezound if you make a couple build.prop tweaks it fixes texting and data on GSM.
Brooose said:
You are looking in the wrong place. You need the drop down menu that includes GSM, W-CDMA, EVDO, LTE in various combinations. Select one with GSM in it. Also, I found that you need to have your Verizon SIM in first and then hot swap it with the t-mobile sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I was in the right place to begin with, I just thought it would be able to pick just gsm but it wont.
And you left out that piece of informationin bold, but still not working...
Can you give us your firmware & radio version, perhaps some phones have been updated to block this.
Anyone have any luck with this?
OP, is your phone stock? Rooted?
What if it has a bad ESN will this work or a way to make gsm work even with a bad ESN I'm asking because if Verizon does not have droid 3 s I will get this phone then go with at&t but will like to know if I can change the radio so I can so this
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
One additional thing I found was that I got it to work by hot swapping the Sims. It seems like the Verizon sim has to be in when the phone boots. Once it boots, use Phone Info to change the mode to GSM and then switch your sim.
Sent from my SGH-I535 using xda premium
Brooose said:
One additional thing I found was that I got it to work by hot swapping the Sims. It seems like the Verizon sim has to be in when the phone boots. Once it boots, use Phone Info to change the mode to GSM and then switch your sim.
Sent from my SGH-I535 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your saying this works on a bad ESN one?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
leerpsp said:
What if it has a bad ESN will this work or a way to make gsm work even with a bad ESN I'm asking because if Verizon does not have droid 3 s I will get this phone then go with at&t but will like to know if I can change the radio so I can so this
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would think it should work. The ESN is used for the CDMA networks, the IMEI is used for GSM. Stick with GSM and you should be ok...
Dinc 4G now Global Ready
I was just chatting with a VZ rep online and was told that Verizon has already released a software update, thus making Dinc 4G officially global ready. Can anyone confirm/deny?
I asked her for a software version number which enables this, but she wasn't able to provide it.
Pete7874 said:
I was just chatting with a VZ rep online and was told that Verizon has already released a software update, thus making Dinc 4G officially global ready. Can anyone confirm/deny?
I asked her for a software version number which enables this, but she wasn't able to provide it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Deny. No update has come out so far. You would be able to read about here if it had come out.
JDMpire said:
I would think it should work. The ESN is used for the CDMA networks, the IMEI is used for GSM. Stick with GSM and you should be ok...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I think I will go buy one cheep forum ebay
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

[Q] [How] VZN S4 not working on Vodafone GSM network. Need a Nerwork/Sim Unlock

I recently bought the cell phone in US and am visiting India for a couple of months. When I tried using the GSM sims of both vodafone and airtel in in India I wasnt able to make any calls or rceiev any sms, despite of this being a WORLD PHONE.
I even rooted my device and by installing the APN MAnager I was able to install the Vodafone settings and to my surprise
Was able to get its 3g/Data services working.
However the Voice or the sms is still nit working.
The signalbar is showing just fine and so's the data connection symbol. However with the gsm sim in I keep gettin this NON VERIZON SIM ERROR icon on the top left.
Under the settings>MOBILE NETWORKS ive tried changIng them to both GLOBAL and GSM but still no luck yet.
Can anyone help me out with a network/sim unlock method, similar ti the ones avaialable on the tmibile and other phones.
Pretty sure the voice still uses CDMA. I believe that Verizon still only uses the LTE/GSM for data.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
jmgib said:
Pretty sure the voice still uses CDMA. I believe that Verizon still only uses the LTE/GSM for data.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If thats true, then it wouldn't truly be a global phone now would it? GSM will work for voice, but you still need verizon's permission. It should work with a verizon sim, but you will pay through the nose. Now I thought the SIM was unlocked but I could be wrong. Also, even if it is unlocked, it still needs to be compatible with the network frequencies. I don't know what frequencies the VZW S4 has but you can google it.
This being a Dual Band mobile These are the bands that it supports..
CDMA 850
CDMA 1900
GSM 850
GSM 900
GSM 1800
GSM 1900
LTE 750
LTE 1700
WCDMA 850
WCDMA 1900
WCDMA 2100
Also on googling I came across some posts which said the people have managed to use there gsm sims in europe n korea and were able to get the voice n sms. For data they too had to play with th APN..
So what I am tryin to make out from this is we don have a solution to get the voice n sms working on gsm network
Pic showing the error message that I get when I try to make a call.
The second oic shows how my Network signals and data signals are showing just fine but still am not able to make any calls or sms.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
I used my phone and put in a Straight Talk (AT&T) SIM and it works with data and voice after manually putting in the APN. If Verizon phone works on AT&T network, it should work with any network out there provided that the bands are supported by the phone.
I was under the same impression, as it worked for me too when I used the tmobile(gsm) sim with it. I was able to make calls only and data was restricted.
Where as with Vodafone IND its the other way round. Am not able to make/recieve calls or sms but data 3g is working just fine.
Confused what could the problem possibly be.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
was delobta
ashroh said:
I recently bought the cell phone in US and am visiting India for a couple of months. When I tried using the GSM sims of both vodafone and airtel in in India I wasnt able to make any calls or rceiev any sms, despite of this being a WORLD PHONE.
I even rooted my device and by installing the APN MAnager I was able to install the Vodafone settings and to my surprise
Was able to get its 3g/Data services working.
However the Voice or the sms is still nit working.
The signalbar is showing just fine and so's the data connection symbol. However with the gsm sim in I keep gettin this NON VERIZON SIM ERROR icon on the top left.
Under the settings>MOBILE NETWORKS ive tried changIng them to both GLOBAL and GSM but still no luck yet.
Can anyone help me out with a network/sim unlock method, similar ti the ones avaialable on the tmibile and other phones.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If rooted, you can use Titanium backup, and freeze 'Setup wizard'.
What good would it do if I freeze the setup..how do you suggest I proceed further after freezing..?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
I recall needing to call verizon and get an unlock code for my old droid 2 global so that I could use non-verizon global sim cards in it. I believe you just needed to be a customer in good standing for at least 10 months, and could only do it once a year per line, or something.
Edit: A quick search showed a post claming it is already SIM unlocked, so never mind!
Since only my Data is working on my VZW GS4, that too after rooting and installing titanium and apn Manager.
Just wanted to confirm if I am thinking in the right direction, Is it possible that I may flash the Stock Rom for I9500(international Version) in my vzw GS4, and it would work with any international carrier around the world, cos currently am only able to use the Data/3g and Neither Voice nor SMS is working out here for me for GSM carriers like Vodafone and Airtel.
Id really appreciate if anyone can help me lookup a workaround for this..
I just made to run my port of Android Revolution HD 2.0 for i545 (I was porting it from i9505). Everything is working, except CDMA-networking. It's multilingual as well. If anybody wants - I could give it to test. I asked mike1996 for permission to port it, so it is permitted

$50 bounty for LTE solution for TMobile users!

That's right.... I want LTE bad. The entire reason I switched to T-Mobile was for LTE. Now the issue is after the sim is activated, LTE disappears.
$50 Amazon gift card if you develop a fix for this. $25 if you give a solution that works!
Let's figure this out! I can't afford an S4 or htc one now....
I don't mean to sound negative or pessimistic but, the LGOG using T-Mobile's HSPA+ service is pretty damned fast as it is... and yes I'd like it to work on my LGOG since it did work not once but twice with two different T-Mobile SIM cards for periods of time but, if you're in an area serviced by T-Mobile's current LTE rollout then you're also getting HSPA+ service too so...
"How fast is fast?" is the question I end up eventually asking people: how fast do you really need the connection to be for a smartphone? What are you folks doing with your smartphones that requires more than ~15-20Mbps?
Also...
Can anyone that is rooted/unlocked (bootloader) and has a recovery installed boot your device into fastboot mode and see if it shows a baseband listed at all? Mine - which is running the stock JB 4.1.2 presently and using the stock JB AT&T radio shows N/A which makes me think there's something going on in there or I busted something during my multiple flashing phase over the past week or so, I don't know. Here's what mine says presently:
FASTBOOT MODE
PRODUCT NAME - mako
VARIANT - mako 16GB
HW VERSION - rev_10 (16)
BOOTLOADER VERSION - MAKOZ10o
BASEBAND VERSION - N/A
CARRIER INFO - None
SERIAL NUMBER - YADDAYADDAYADDA
SIGNING - production
SECURE BOOT - enabled
LOCK STATE - unlocked
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Now I'm wondering about two aspects there: the MAKOZ10o reference which could be related to the older ICS bootloader since that was a V10o thing, maybe it was updated and now IDs itself as Z10o, I don't know for sure, and of course the fact that it doesn't show a baseband version at all. I don't particularly believe that's what's causing the LTE to crap out and die but, I can't say for certain.
But I'm interested in seeing if anyone else's device running the stock JB 4.1.2 (mine has been flashed with LGNPST directly, not as an OTA - the device could have been 4.0.4 > 4.1.2 by OTA from the previous owner, I have no idea), and of course I can't say for certain when the LTE just stopped working but it was within the first day of me owning the device and before I ever flashed anything or rooted it so I will say that rooting it didn't cause the LTE to stop working and that was the first step in the flashing I've done since I got it.
Still, it's odd that it works then just stops working and never comes back...
br0adband said:
I don't mean to sound negative or pessimistic but, the LGOG using T-Mobile's HSPA+ service is pretty damned fast as it is... and yes I'd like it to work on my LGOG since it did work not once but twice with two different T-Mobile SIM cards for periods of time but, if you're in an area serviced by T-Mobile's current LTE rollout then you're also getting HSPA+ service too so...
"How fast is fast?" is the question I end up eventually asking people: how fast do you really need the connection to be for a smartphone? What are you folks doing with your smartphones that requires more than ~15-20Mbps?
Also...
Can anyone that is rooted/unlocked (bootloader) and has a recovery installed boot your device into fastboot mode and see if it shows a baseband listed at all? Mine - which is running the stock JB 4.1.2 presently and using the stock JB AT&T radio shows N/A which makes me think there's something going on in there or I busted something during my multiple flashing phase over the past week or so, I don't know. Here's what mine says presently:
Now I'm wondering about two aspects there: the MAKOZ10o reference which could be related to the older ICS bootloader since that was a V10o thing, maybe it was updated and now IDs itself as Z10o, I don't know for sure, and of course the fact that it doesn't show a baseband version at all. I don't particularly believe that's what's causing the LTE to crap out and die but, I can't say for certain.
But I'm interested in seeing if anyone else's device running the stock JB 4.1.2 (mine has been flashed with LGNPST directly, not as an OTA - the device could have been 4.0.4 > 4.1.2 by OTA from the previous owner, I have no idea), and of course I can't say for certain when the LTE just stopped working but it was within the first day of me owning the device and before I ever flashed anything or rooted it so I will say that rooting it didn't cause the LTE to stop working and that was the first step in the flashing I've done since I got it.
Still, it's odd that it works then just stops working and never comes back...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For the most part, it's fast.... But it's line having a Porsche with a speed limiter.... Who wants that?
Mine didn't have lte bone stock. I just rooted mine and booted into bootloader and I do have a line of letters and numbers with the baseband.
Bounty is going to be void unless someone has a solution quick! I put it up on craigslist and supposedly someone is going to buy it. Guess I'll have to fork over extra $ for a One or S4
I'm on T-Mobile LTE has never worked for me (been on it about a week). I get week 4g in town and most the time it wont even load ANYTHING! 2G is garbage...... My fastboot shows baseband version as n/a also. Unlocking the bootloader via freegee simply flashes the nexus aboot image which likely hasn't been modified. Does Tmobile LTE work on the nexus/nexus conversion? I know free also flashes a modified boot image but it simply removes the wallpaper.bin file from the phones bin directory to allow removal of any apps (its checks for videos,apk etc etc). I haven't tried flash the T-Mobile modem in the modem thread (.38 or something?) but I am assuming it also wont allow for LTE? Do these phones share modems with nexus or are they just cross compatible? Does the phone run LTE stock? I'm not familiar with at&t and do not know if they have a LTE band. Is it possible the hardware has just been removed on this model for LTE and those that get it do so without the antenna? I know there is another phone where that is the case but I cant remember which one of the top of my head.
Guys really need to quit buying e970s and thinking lte on tmo will work.
Sent from my LG Optimus G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
DeathmonkeyGTX said:
Guys really need to quit buying e970s and thinking lte on tmo will work.
Sent from my LG Optimus G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I just noted in another post, the LGOG is fully capable of LTE service on the T-Mobile frequencies - it's a damned Nexus 4 in a different package, with the same hardware radio and I/we can even run the T-Mobile radio firmware as well. That's not the issue.
The issue is that for many of us it DOES work at first but then the LTE stops working and I/we would most certainly like to figure out why it's happening.
Probably tmo trying to force you to buy a phone from them.
Sent from my LG Optimus G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Doubtful considering that's one reason they refarmed their network in the first place, so potential customers could bring their unlocked ATT devices to the T-Mobile network and have great service, LTE included. The "uncarrier" has great pride in that fact and have gone through great lengths to advertise it. The issue the OP is having appears to be LGOG specific as I hadn't heard of or seen any other devices with said issue, thus the bounty.
Sent from my LG-E970 using xda app-developers app
The reason you guys are losing LTE is T-Mobile is slowly switching to a diff band. And it is one this phone doesn't handle. As they convert towers to the new frequency phones that do not handle all the US LTE bands get left behind.
Sent from my LG Optimus G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
autosurgeon said:
The reason you guys are losing LTE is T-Mobile is slowly switching to a diff band. And it is one this phone doesn't handle. As they convert towers to the new frequency phones that do not handle all the US LTE bands get left behind.
Sent from my LG Optimus G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=47076068&postcount=67
Since this double-posting and chasing people around threads gets tiring.
autosurgeon said:
The reason you guys are losing LTE is T-Mobile is slowly switching to a diff band. And it is one this phone doesn't handle. As they convert towers to the new frequency phones that do not handle all the US LTE bands get left behind.
Sent from my LG Optimus G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hadn't seen any information to back this up, feel free to direct me to the info if you'd like. I find it hard to believe as T-Mobile just refarmed the network to support the same LTE bands as att and are still actively advertising the fact you can bring your unlocked device to their network without issue and with full support. In addition individuals are reporting LTE service that works fine initially then ceases generally after reboot or within a few days. The odds of these bands being changed just as users switch in multiple locations to multiple users are slim to none.
Sent from my LG-E970 using xda app-developers app
I was told this by technical support when helping a friend that has an e970. Whether it is accurate info I guess is now in question. Sorry if it is not.
Sent from my LG Optimus G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
No worries in the long run, we just like to make sure people do get accurate info. T-Mobile uses band 4 for LTE purposes, and that'll fall within the 850 and 1900 MHz bands they're refarming aka repurposing from primarily 2G/EDGE network usage towards more HSPA+ access which would also get more LTE support there as well.
And yeah, it's irritating as hell knowing it did work and now it doesn't, very frustrating. It's the only thing I haven't been able to get addressed with this LGOG so far and it flat out pisses me off.
Bounty is OFF! I sold the LGOG and picked up an ATT S4 for $185 off CL! Only slight damage to volume button but other than that clean, not stolen and LTE works! Until I bricked it by flashing the wrong rom but it's in the mail shipping back to me repaired !!
I had it running on Simple and I would mainly get terrible edge a I guess HSPA since it would say 4G sometimes. Didn't get LTE until I went over to AT&T.

Does the new MJ7 Firmware upgrade lock gsm?

I have a Verizon branded Samsung galaxy s4 that I am currently using on T Mobile. I put my tmobile sim in it and it works just fine after I changed the APN settings to the T mobile settings so I would get the data, MMS and picture messaging, et cetera et cetera. However I recently noticed that Verizon just released a major firmware update for our phones that will update it from the most current version that we all have: Android version 4.2.2 with firmware/baseband:I545VRUAM(E)7 TO Android 4.3= with firmware/baseband :I545VRUAM(J)7. anyways, book this new firmware... Allegedly, once it is applied not only does it update the android version,..but it is supposed to unlock all of the of the available AWS - LTE bands and data technologies that a lot of other carriers use for their high speed data. So effectively once the update date is applied... instead of getting 3G or H+ (HSPAP), we should effectively be getting 4G and or LTE in a lot of areas using T-mobile on that phone. I have not yet downloaded and applied the update to my phone because I'm a bit hesitant. My phone is working fine now and the maximum data speed I get is the H plus, however I would love to be able to get the other bands on my phone that this update offers in some places. I'm just a bit concerned that I wonder if when the new firmware update is put on the phone will it possibly put a restriction or sim card lock on the phone that was never there before? Effectively not allowing me to use the tmobile sim card in the Verizon Galaxy phone any longer? I just wanted to reach out to other people in the same situation to see what firmware version u guys are using thats allowing use of a tmobile sim card, and anyone who has successfully done the new firmware "MJ7" 4.3 ... update and are still able to use the tmobile (or other carriers sim cards) in the phone with no new negative issues or restrictions or locks. Thanks so much I'd appreciate any feedback. -Rob
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app

Verizon I-545 with T-mobile sim Q&A

I know this has been addressed a few times, but with the new radio's and T-mobile running on LTE bands I feel it can be addressed again.
I have been running a T-Mobile sim in my Verizon S4 for about 9 months now having 90% functionality of T-Mobile apps and after 4.3 using LTE with a few MMS hiccups that seem to have been ironed out.I have ran just about every ROM available here on XDA, and even attempted to write my own Rom a couple times with limited success. And every ROM I have ran was written for Verizon, I just changed the APN settings, and sometimes had to flash some other items to get them working 100%.
I have a few things I am working on trying to "fix" such as Hotspot and a few T-Mobile only apps. I have convinced my phone it is a SGH-M919 changing a lot of info in the build prop, which allows me to use the T-Mobile TV app. But being a trial and error kinda guy I don't know how much of my editing was necessary, or if I actually needed to change more to allow me to use the hot-spot app. I have bricked my phone to many times to count trying out Radio's and changing setting in the ROMs trying to make my I545 more a T-Mobile phone than a Verizon phone.
I have seen alot of "ports" such as the 4.4.2 GE that I am currently running ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2643031 ). The first release I had amazing signal and no connection issues. But after the DEV (Danvdh) plucked away at it making it work better for Verizon and fixing a lot of Verizon data issues has started to have a couple signal issues here and there. Nothing that I would say broke the connection but definitely slowed a few things for me down.
Same for the INT build ( http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2552605 ) from jrkruze it works amazing then started to slowly after updates not work as well as it did from his first release. The ROM got better but my "connection" got worse.
So on to my question:
What is being changed in the ROMs that make them better for Verizon? I know that I am part of a small majority of people here running a SIM and a network that it was never supposed to run on, but it does work and I would like to make it work as best as it can. I know I can go back and use the older versions of the ROMs but I like the other changes and I like being able to update.
justda said:
I have been running a T-Mobile sim in my Verizon S4 for about 9 months now having 90% functionality of T-Mobile apps and after 4.3 using LTE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do you have LTE working? Correct me if I'm Wrong but TMO has LTE on 700/1700, the i545 doesn't support either of those bands. HSPA+ with a 4gLTE logo maybe?
snatale1 said:
How do you have LTE working? Correct me if I'm Wrong but TMO has LTE on 700/1700, the i545 doesn't support either of those bands. HSPA+ with a 4gLTE logo maybe?
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Click to collapse
The AWS spectrum was unlocked for the i545 a few updates ago. Since TMobile LTE runs on the AWS band, a Verizon S4/i545 is capable of running TMobile LTE
AWS was unlocked with the MJ7 modem.
I get 29Mbps down 6.5 up defenitly not H+ the whole Seattle area is AWS so I am loving it. That combined with T-mobiles truly unlimited data I torrent on the go!
Do you receive SMS? I just switched about an hour ago to T-Mobile and everything works except for receiving SMS messages. Not sure how to get it working.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
65vdub said:
Do you receive SMS? I just switched about an hour ago to T-Mobile and everything works except for receiving SMS messages. Not sure how to get it working.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
you have to change your APN settings.
If you are interested I am working on something else, that would give us T-Mobile guys a working 4.4.2 TW ROM...
Go here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2675384
justda said:
you have to change your APN settings.
If you are interested I am working on something else, that would give us T-Mobile guys a working 4.4.2 TW ROM...
Go here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2675384
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I changed my apn settings to T-Mobile fast LTE and did get LTE and HSPA+. And I'll check out the thread right now.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

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