Hello Everyone,
I had a question about using my Z2 while in Europe for vacation. My mobile provided is T-Mobile USA. I have the international version of the Z2; model number D6503.
Basically, I want to know if the phone will automatically connect to mobile networks in Europe by itself or if I will have to change options on the phone such as the APN in order for me to get mobile service? The country in question is Bulgaria, and per T-Mobile's site they do have service there.
In the USA, the phone set itself up, all I had to do was select download internet and MMS settings and I was good to go. Will I have to do something similar like that while in another country or will the default T-Mobile APN suffice?
Thank you for your time and assistance!
Shouldn't have to do anything but enable roaming. I spent July in Greece and Turkey and never had an issue (AT&T). Negotiate the rates with your carrier prior to departure. Roaming voice and data are not generally included in domestic plans.
augie7107 said:
Shouldn't have to do anything but enable roaming. I spent July in Greece and Turkey and never had an issue (AT&T). Negotiate the rates with your carrier prior to departure. Roaming voice and data are not generally included in domestic plans.
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Thank you! I was hoping you only needed to activate roaming. And thank you for the heads up as well. Luckily T-Mobile has pretty good international rates.
Related
This question is geared towards people using t-mobile in the United States. I purchased an unlocked sx56 that had been flashed with t-mobile's PPC 2003. I am currently using a t-mobile sim card but want to switch to a different provider because I can not get service in my house. I was thinking about Verizon, but don't know if that will be a problem since I'm using a t-mobile operating system. Also I am using t-mobile's free version of aol instant messenger and getting free internet access using the wap.voicestream.com. Will I have any problems. Thanks in advance
since it's unlocked device, it can be used with any other provider as long as its band is supported by your device
thank you. I just wanted to double check that. My main question was if anyone else in America had tried accessing wap.voicestream.com for free internet service while using a different provider then t-mobile. Also If anyone thought i would have problems running t-mobile software with a different provider.
Hi,
I have just bought a Galaxy Ace whilst in the UK (Carphone Warehouse), they say it is unlocked and can be used with any SIM card.
I'm now back in Japan and want to take my Docomo SIM card out of my Japanese mobile phone (FOMA P902is) and use the Galaxy Ace.
I'm on a standard contract with Docomo (5+ yrs) and when I actually put the SIM card in I can make and receive calls on the NTT Docomo network but cannot connect to the net.
Is it wise to go into Docomo and tell them I want to use this new phone?
Any help would be great.
Thanks
C.
craigom said:
Hi,
I have just bought a Galaxy Ace whilst in the UK (Carphone Warehouse), they say it is unlocked and can be used with any SIM card.
I'm now back in Japan and want to take my Docomo SIM card out of my Japanese mobile phone (FOMA P902is) and use the Galaxy Ace.
I'm on a standard contract with Docomo (5+ yrs) and when I actually put the SIM card in I can make and receive calls on the NTT Docomo network but cannot connect to the net.
Is it wise to go into Docomo and tell them I want to use this new phone?
Any help would be great.
Thanks
C.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to manually set the SIM card APN (Access Point Network) Settings
Sent from my Ultima Weapon© using XDA App
If you use the correct APN and still can't connect you may not have the right Ace that works with 3G on Docomo's network.
And 5 years' contract? Ouch. I thought 18 months was ridiculous
You can see the different Frequency bands on Wikipedia. Standard Galaxy Ace (s5830, no after letter) supports
Code:
2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 900 / 2100
Thanks for the quick response.
I've not signed up for a 5 yr contract, it's just I have had it for over 5 years on the same billing plan... never really used it for anything more than calls.
I want to use a smartphone with all the bells and whistles.
How do I get the APN settings for NTT Docomo Japan?
Is it a good idea to goto Docomo and ask them for help?
I see in the "mobile network settings" an option Access Point Names, but it is empty and when I choose to add New APN it gives me a list (Name, APN, Proxy, Port... etc all as Not Set), no idea what to do with those.
C.
craigom said:
Thanks for the quick response.
I've not signed up for a 5 yr contract, it's just I have had it for over 5 years on the same billing plan... never really used it for anything more than calls.
How do I get the APM settings?
C.
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Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=564459
I went to the "GPRS/Internet Connection Settings for the whole world" thread but nothing for Japan in those 7 pages, so I left a post asking for them.
My model is the GT-S5830 (no letters after the name).
I'm completely lost as to the freq bands, but it must work as I have made/received calls today.
Are the APN settings all I need?
I read about people getting huge bills when they use other phones than the issued one Docomo gave them, how can I check this?
Will try Docomo tomorrow, and even Softbank as people say they have reasonable charges... maybe time to change carrier.
any further help would be appreciated.
Thanks
C.
This blog will tell you how to use SIM free phone with docomo including APN set up.
yukotan.blogspot.com/2010/05/docomosim.html
I have this phone in Japan (but using it as a second phone with a roaming sim from Philippines and no data plan).
Be aware that the cheapest full-speed data plan you're going to get out of Docomo is 10,000 yen/mo. (>4000 yen/mo surcharge for using a non-Docomo handset for data) There are a number of APNs you could possibility be using depending on which data plan you have.
Its actually cheaper to get a subsidized Galaxy S II on contract than pay the surcharge.
As you're probably aware, Softbank's data network is pretty bad, though they aren't surcharging for BYO handset now.
To answer your question, you won't exactly be causing trouble by talking to the staff at the docomo shop, but the amount of help they can give you will be limited to explaining the charge scheme and telling you the APN info to set.
Thanks EvilDave_666, so it seems I can get the Ace to have internet... but Docomo want 10,000yen a month as you said.
They also said if I want the Galaxy S II it would cost me 60,000yen to buy, then 7,000yen a month for the current plan I'm on (family).
Not sure what to do now.
If you're eligable for a new installment plan the handset part should only end up costing you 2470/mo - 1300/mo subsidy + 5250 initial payment, so 1170x24 + 5250 = 33,330 yen.
By not having the 10,000 yen/mo data plan you're saving 4935/mo x24 = 118,440 yen over the 24 months, giving you a net savings over your plan of 81,960 yen after the 3150 unlock fee (so you'll have an unlocked handset when its over same as the Ace) + whatever you can sell the Ace for and getting a Galaxy S II on subsidy.
You never want to take the lump-sum option, installment plan always works out better in the end.
Hi,
I am trying to do the same thing... bring a Ace to Japan.
Currently, I have a Docomo contract without data plan.
Is it still expensive like that to use the data plan of Docomo with a BYO smartphone?
Cheers, Chris
Hello All,
I have just purchased a Lumia 920 RED. On the box it says Nokia 920.1 CV FR Rouge.
It then says GSM & WCDMA and a load of frequencies.
Will this support LTE for internet (if my provider supports LTE of course).
Thanks for your comments.
Nicholas Cross
Since no-one has answered, I sent an e-mail directly to Nokia. Here is the response that they sent. It answers the question very nicely.
Thank you for contacting us with your concern.
This is in reference to your email to us asking about the support of the Nokia Lumia 920 to LTE (Long-Term Evolution or 4G network). We are more than happy to assist you on this.
In response to your concern, please be advised that all Nokia Lumia 920s support 2G, 3G and 4G network/LTE. This means that the phone can be used with the fastest network connection yet. This, however, will depend on the network provider you will be using your phone with. For example, if your current network provider do not support 4G network, the device's LTE capability will not be utilised and 3G network will be used.
To confirm this issue, we suggest that you contact your network provider and ask them if they do offer 4G network as the phone supports it indeed.
Looks like you got the European model.
The EU model has different LTE frequencies than the American one.
So depending in what country you will be using this device and what provider, the phone may support or not 3G and/or 4GLTE.
nMIK-3 said:
Looks like you got the European model.
The EU model has different LTE frequencies than the American one.
So depending in what country you will be using this device and what provider, the phone may support or not 3G and/or 4GLTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the response. Yes, I have the European version (since I live in Luxembourg). My question wasn't really whether it would get 3G here because of maybe not being on the right frequency, but whether it would get LTE since it didn't mention LTE on the box at all.
I have updated the rom a new version that the Nokia Care Suite found, and now it seems to have changed something because now it often shows that it is connecting as H+. I also asked my phone provider if they offer LTE on standard contracts, and they told me that they don't (for the moment) offer LTE on voice contracts. They only offer it on data ONLY contracts, so for the moment this means that H+ is the best that I can get.
So far, I am impressed with the device, but I am slightly concerned with the battery life. It doesn't seem to be as good as the HTC 7 Pro that I had before, and my wife's Lumia 900 also seems to get better battery life.
The device is new, so it could be that the battery needs "conditioning". Will see how things go.
Have a good weekend!!
nebc100 said:
Thanks for the response. Yes, I have the European version (since I live in Luxembourg).
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Click to collapse
CV FR means Country Variant France, so you got the french version. german, french an belgium version should all support LTE 800/900/1800/2100/2600 so you will be fine (luxembourg uses 900/1800). i don't think there exists a version of the NL920 without LTE, but you can easily check it. go to settings -> mobile network and see what you can choose for highest connection speed. there should be 3 options, 2G/3G/4G (with the old Firmware it was LTE instead of 4G)
nebc100 said:
I also asked my phone provider if they offer LTE on standard contracts, and they told me that they don't (for the moment) offer LTE on voice contracts. They only offer it on data ONLY contracts, so for the moment this means that H+ is the best that I can get.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Orange? They will offer LTE for voice contracts as soon as they get VoLTE ready. sometime in Q1 2013 if i remember correctly.
Thanks for the info regarding VoLTE!!
I had already checked the network settings, and that was why I was concerned. On my phone, it only offered 2G and 3G!!
I have since updated (using the Nokia Suite) the rom, and now the 4G option is there, and I have also seen the H+ symbol show on my data connection.
my only concern now is the battery life, and that seems to be MUCH better with the new rom.
have a great weekend.
I have a Lumia 920 unlocked German version which brought support for the 4G setting from release. I recently flashed it to the Austrian ROM given that I live in Austria. That removed the 4G option. Last friday I then decided to flash the phone to Portico as I hadn't had that much data added to it and that restored the 4G option.
This is in line with what Nokia had been communicating for some time: all Lumia 920 devices have LTE hardware on board but it is not enabled on all pending a future software update. With Portico this now seems to be the case. H+ has been working nicely for me even with the 3G only ROMs which makes sense given that it is just a faster transfer mode on top of UMTS.
I couldn't try out LTE yet as my carrier only has it operational in some locations quite some distance from my home. Therefore I currently have limited it to 3G to avoid the phone looking for an LTE network all the time.
So I've been globetrotting with my Incredible 4G/aka Fireball with CM10.1 (currently the unofficial 20130420 build by mdmower) for about 6 months now and it works great on VZW's global plan, Used it all over Europe and across US / Canada using Verizon's plan. Feel free to ask any questions below if you are curious about my experiences with that. I can't promise a speedy response but will do my best to answer.
The point of this post is actually to see if anyone wants me to try any specific services or networks while I am in Europe later this month. I see a number of posts asking if it will work in -insert country here- or on -insert service provider here- so if you want a guinea pig, here I am.
I was thinking of buying a pre-paid SIM or 3 and basically try different services and setups for kicks and giggles. I am flying into Amsterdam and will end up in Belgium and Germany at different points in my trip and this summer have projects in Asia and Scandinavia.
I'll either grab cards off of Amazon before I go or when I land hit up a kiosk or vending machine.
Not sure if this is of any use to anyone but since I'm already going to satisfy my own curiosity I'd offer my results to the community.
Now everyone stand back.... I'm about to SCIENCE! :laugh:
i'm heading to italy this summer and wondering what it will take to make this phone work. this is my first 4g phone with a sim card...
my previous verizon phones have always worked around america (mexico, dominican republic, etc). when i went to asia last year (japan, thailand) i only used wifi for email and data - the roaming worked but was outrageous price.
I'm using this phone in Ukraine with no issues. I have Ukranian GSM service provider and another one for CDMA. No LTE in Ukraine.
The only tip, that this phone doesn't support my GSM provider's Mobile Internet. Never the less, it does support it on other Ukranian GSM providers.
When I was in German, I bought myself German prepaid sim-card and sucsessfully switched to its network
j13smiley said:
i'm heading to italy this summer and wondering what it will take to make this phone work. this is my first 4g phone with a sim card...
my previous verizon phones have always worked around america (mexico, dominican republic, etc). when i went to asia last year (japan, thailand) i only used wifi for email and data - the roaming worked but was outrageous price.
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Click to collapse
That's kind of my thought on the matter too, how easy is it to switch carriers on a device which is normally carrier locked. I see there are some configurations needed for the CM10.1 to work on a different carrier and want to try and see how it works. I will be giving that a whirl and see.
I noticed that last time I was in Belgium I had very spotty coverage with VZW and very slow data while nobody else had any problems getting decent speeds, but in Netherlands I usually had same or better signal than locals and mostly full 3G signal in main train routes and larger downtown areas like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven. Germany was about the same but I wasn't paying much attention to my phone while briefly passing through.
VZW lists the radios as:
Network
LTE 700 MHz (band 13)
CDMA 1x/3G 800/1900 MHz
UMTS/HSPA 2100/900
Quad Band GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900)
With this gamut I would think it can attach to any network for voice and data with the right settings. I also plan on paying closer attention to what kind of signals I am attaching to and speeds, etc.
After spending a week abroad I found that if you are just visiting using the Global Plan through Verizon is by FAR the best solution.
First, a "Local" SIM card runs about 10 Euro from most providers, T-Mobile (NL) and KPN were the ones I selected. Vodafone is in partnership with VZW for service in Netherlands so I skipped them assuming same coverage. With the 10 Euro you get varying minimal amounts of voice minutes for local calls... assume it's JUST a SIM though, you pay extra for minutes, texts and data.
The Pre-Paid SIMs I had access to do not offer roaming. I was told you need a plan for roaming. When I went into Germany or Belgium I lost service.
Data plans on pre-paid plans for a smartphone are about 25-30 euro for 100mb.
It's only $25 per 100mb chunk through VZW.
Texting plans range from 5 Euro and up. I didn't get one, didn't need it since I use WhatsApp and Viber for that.
Coverage and data speed would the ONLY reason I would go with a pre-paid SIM again. T-Mobile had exceptionally fast data and amazing coverage while I was in the NL. KPN was comparable to Vodafone (thought my VZW global plan).
Switching to other providers was difficult and cumbersome and CM10.1 does NOT handle global roaming very well. Can't just jam a SIM in and it works (See MDMower's Unofficial CM post for settings) Once the settings were made I made a TWRP backup to make switching possible without a PC.
CM 10 and 10.1 did not show a signal bar even when I had signal so it was VERY difficult to ascertain signal strength and relied on just speed and what I perceived of signal strength.
Stock Rooted works great for Global Roaming but did not like SIM cards from other providers.
Recap; If you plan on visiting a country outside of USA and use this phone (or any Global phone really) then it's best to add in a global plan at $25-30 a month and the $25 100mb package. A SIM will cost you about that or more and doesn't allow you to use your same phone number or roam into other countries without added expense.
It's best to stick with Stock Rooted on that plan. IF you plan on using a local SIM for data speeds and you are staying in one major city/area for the duration then it will work alright but make backups of different configurations before you do the switch... Plan on spending an hour or two getting your phone configured and setup with the right settings and my signal bar never worked in CM, even if you have full signal.
From now on I will use only VZW plan on Stock Rooted. It's the best way to have a reliable phone when travelling abroad.
History:
Recently purchased a S23 Ultra (SM-S918U1) from Samsung USA. Downloaded and flashed the appropriate software for Samsung Canada (SM-S918W) using Patched Odin (3.14.1_3B). CSC, as expected, now reads TLS/TLS,TLS/XAA.
Network mode is set to 5G/LTE/WCDMA/GSM.
Problem:
I have strong signal in my area, 5G, but during phone calls, my signal drops from 5G to 3G (WCDMA) as opposed to the expected LTE+/LTE (4G or 4G+ for anyone outside of North America).
I have changed to a new SIM card and am able to reproduce the issue on my S22 Ultra.
I'm beginning to think it is a carrier issue, Telus, and have escalated to appropriate support tier for a callback.
Is anything else I should be looking for in-between? Specific flashing techniques or tools?
Thanks!
if you dont have VoLTE enabled then your signal goes to 3g during phone calls, its how the network works.
Aleks95 said:
if you dont have VoLTE enabled then your signal goes to 3g during phone calls, its how the network works.
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I greatly appreciate your help! I knew it would be something simple.
Enabling VoLTE is no longer available with this Canadian CSC (Telus/TLS).
I tested two devices; my S22 Ultra and Z Flip 4; the Z Flip 4 was purchased directly from Telus Canada, while the S22 Ultra was purchased from Samsung USA.
Following a factory reset and reboot, the Z Flip 4 automatically registers for IMS/VoLTE.
The same cannot be said for the S22 Ultra when running TLS. I see an option to enable 'VoLTE' if I switch back to XAA from XAC, but it doesn't do anything.
It appears the carrier may blacklist non-Telus purchased devices based on specific criteria (e.g., IMEI, serial number, etc).
This was not the case before 2021.
It is a carrier issue. Bell/Telus blocking VoLTE and WiFi Calling on non-Canadian devices that are not sold by Bell/Telus. If you put a Rogers SIM in your device, everything will work because Rogers is not limiting devices by IMEI and model number where Bell/Telus are!
File a CCTS complaint. The more they get. The hope that something will be done about it. They will also block your device from roaming on to US carriers and block 911 access as well. I get a text every month from Telus saying, "
TELUS Message: Hi J********, as you may be aware, carriers in the U.S. stopped supporting mobile devices on 3G networks.
You’re currently using a 3G phone that connects to 3G networks and the next time you roam in the U.S., you will no longer be able to use data, text or make phone calls - including 911.
To stay connected in the U.S., you need to replace your phone with an LTE or 5G capable phone.
Learn more about the 3G network turndown in the U.S. at https://sms.telus.com/a519646aed"
I purchased mine from T-Mobile USA and use it with my T-Mobile SIM and Telus eSIM. I am on the U1 firmware.
Just call the Telus, telling them you brought a S23u from Samsung Canada. The model is S23 Ultra or SM-S918W. They will "apply the IMS registration profile" to enable the VoLTE and WifiCalling. That's how I did on my S918B. You don't need to change the CSC at all.
Thank you all for your excellent responses. I appreciate your help.
Telus' advanced support confirmed that non-Canadian Samsung devices are being blocked
Telus requests IMEIs from Samsung and registers IMS (VoLTE/WiFi Calling) if it matches the corresponding devices.
Google and Apple are the only exceptions. These criteria do not apply to them.
The next stop for me is the CRTC. If this concerns you as a resident of Canada, more information can be found here:
How to Make a Complaint About Your Telephone Service | CRTC
Telephone service problems can be resolved by making a complaint to the phone company, CCTS or CRTC.
crtc.gc.ca
and2cs said:
Just call the Telus, telling them you brought a S23u from Samsung Canada. The model is S23 Ultra or SM-S918W. They will "apply the IMS registration profile" to enable the VoLTE and WifiCalling. That's how I did on my S918B. You don't need to change the CSC at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is actually what I was planning to do but before I could ask, they, the Telus Rep., had already identified it as non-Telus device.
AHE_XDA said:
Thank you all for your excellent responses. I appreciate your help.
Telus' advanced support confirmed that non-Canadian Samsung devices are being blocked
Telus requests IMEIs from Samsung and registers IMS (VoLTE/WiFi Calling) if it matches the corresponding devices.
Google and Apple are the only exceptions. These criteria do not apply to them.
The next stop for me is the CRTC. If this concerns you as a resident of Canada, more information can be found here:
How to Make a Complaint About Your Telephone Service | CRTC
Telephone service problems can be resolved by making a complaint to the phone company, CCTS or CRTC.
crtc.gc.ca
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
CRTC won't do anything, neither will CCTS. They claim networks can do this for the "safety" of their network. Only Rogers allows US devices to use VoLTE for some reason.
I went through this last year.
and2cs said:
Just call the Telus, telling them you brought a S23u from Samsung Canada. The model is S23 Ultra or SM-S918W. They will "apply the IMS registration profile" to enable the VoLTE and WifiCalling. That's how I did on my S918B. You don't need to change the CSC at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Won't last sorry. If your IMEI isn't on the whitelist it will be eventually kicked off the profile.