[Q] Question about the radio bands when switching my VZW Galaxy S4 to T-Mobile - Verizon Samsung Galaxy S 4

Hey guys,
I've spent 2 hours searching, but I can't find any clear or up-to-date information. I have a Verizon Wireless Galaxy S4 (SCH-I545 running VRUFNC5), and I will be switching from Verizon to T-Mobile. I've read that the VZW Galaxy S4 does not have the AWS 1700 band enabled, but then I've read that recent updates have enabled it. So, I'm confused.
Will my phone be able to access ALL T-Mobile bands (3G, 4G, 4G LTE, etc) to fully access T-Mobile's network?
If not, what bands will I be missing? Am I able to flash the radio or modify any settings to activate any particular bands?
Thanks everyone!
Randy

I don't know much about T-Mobile but the Verizon S4 has had the AWS 700mhz spectrum enabled since MJ7, which was our first 4.3 firmware.

joshm.1219 said:
I don't know much about T-Mobile but the Verizon S4 has had the AWS 700mhz spectrum enabled since MJ7, which was our first 4.3 firmware.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So does that mean that this phone has ALL bands enabled that's needed for full T-Mobile service?
Can anyone verify? Thanks so much!

I am also wondering the same question. Running NC5 also and looking to use T-Mobile.

Related

[Q]Can at&t gs2 run 3g/4g on tmobile?

Hi guys
I want to ask is it possible to change the at&t modem to a t-mobile modem so i can use 3g/4g on tmobile network if not just tell me im curious.
I saw this happen to the galaxy note and was wondering if it possible to do it on this phone.
thanks
Nope. It lacks the bands required for T-Mo frequencies.

Is the VZW Galaxy S4 SIM and APN unlocked out of the box?

Hey everyone,
I just searched this topic and didn't find any definitive answers so I thought I'd ask...
Anyways is the VZW Galaxy S4 SIM unlocked out of the box? I keep reading the new VZW releases in 2012 and onwards are according to the VZW forums and website but then I found a post of someone asking VZW for an unlock. It its an official code its easier to just ask VZW as I meet all the requirements (1+ year customer). Also I read that on the S3 the APN settings are blocked on the default VZW firmware unless rooted. Is the APN settings on the S4 open (changeable) by default?
Also what's a realistic battery life you guys are getting out of this phone?
Am comparing phones and need a phone that is:
1. SIM Unlocked and APN settings changable that has VZW's US CDMA and LTE bands PLUS ALL the international bands (the 4 GSM and 4 UMTS international bands).
2. Has HSPA+21 at least.
3. Long battery life to last the day.
4. Rootable so I can get rid of VZW crap and increase the battery life.
I've also not seen any international VZW phones with HSPA+42 dual carrier like Apple's iPhone 5. I'm also debating getting a Android versus iOS phone...
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Recently took my S4 to Brazil and spent a fair bit of time talking to Verizon Global Support before the trip. One of the questions I asked was whether the phone was SIM unlocked so that I could purchase a SIM card while in Brazil and use local service down there. The VZW rep assured me the phone was indeed unlocked, but I did not use a Brazilian SIM card while on travel so I cannot confirm via personal experience.
I can confirm that it is unlocked. I put an active att sim card in, that then allowed me to add the correct apn info. I was then able to make calls and use data.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
willzzz88 said:
Hey everyone,
I just searched this topic and didn't find any definitive answers so I thought I'd ask...
Anyways is the VZW Galaxy S4 SIM unlocked out of the box? I keep reading the new VZW releases in 2012 and onwards are according to the VZW forums and website but then I found a post of someone asking VZW for an unlock. It its an official code its easier to just ask VZW as I meet all the requirements (1+ year customer). Also I read that on the S3 the APN settings are blocked on the default VZW firmware unless rooted. Is the APN settings on the S4 open (changeable) by default?
Also what's a realistic battery life you guys are getting out of this phone?
Am comparing phones and need a phone that is:
1. SIM Unlocked and APN settings changable that has VZW's US CDMA and LTE bands PLUS ALL the international bands (the 4 GSM and 4 UMTS international bands).
2. Has HSPA+21 at least.
3. Long battery life to last the day.
4. Rootable so I can get rid of VZW crap and increase the battery life.
I've also not seen any international VZW phones with HSPA+42 dual carrier like Apple's iPhone 5. I'm also debating getting a Android versus iOS phone...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The SCH-I545 has Quad band GSM/EDGE frequency's (850/900/1800/1900) and Quad band UMTS/HSPA (850/900/1900/2100) As well as AWS bands for LTE (1700/2100) so it should get LTE on T-Mobile. However, it does not have the capabilities to get LTE on AT&T since the SCH-I545 does not have the frequency's to operate on AT&T's LTE network but it will get HSPA+ on both networks. It will work on Sprint as well but it will not get LTE since its two LTE bands, (700 and 1700/2100), are not compatible. Sprint operates on the same CDMA/ Ev-Do bands as VZW so you will get 3G. I can confirm that i have used the SCH-I545 with an AT&T SIM card and i got HSPA+ speeds.
echo1030 said:
The SCH-I545 has Quad band GSM/EDGE frequency's (850/900/1800/1900) and Quad band UMTS/HSPA (850/900/1900/2100) As well as AWS bands for LTE (1700/2100) so it should get LTE on T-Mobile. However, it does not have the capabilities to get LTE on AT&T since the SCH-I545 does not have the frequency's to operate on AT&T's LTE network but it will get HSPA+ on both networks. It will work on Sprint as well but it will not get LTE since its two LTE bands, (700 and 1700/2100), are not compatible. Sprint operates on the same CDMA/ Ev-Do bands as VZW so you will get 3G. I can confirm that i have used the SCH-I545 with an AT&T SIM card and i got HSPA+ speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The AWS is there but not activated yet. for now you will only get EDGE on t-mobile unless in a refarmed are you will pickup HSPA. you will however pickup all AWS tis summer when verizon activates that band on our phone.
SOURCE: I'm on the 30$ a month prepaid with t-mobile. edge sucks but it works.
att sim in verizon sg4
Silentgray said:
I can confirm that it is unlocked. I put an active att sim card in, that then allowed me to add the correct apn info. I was then able to make calls and use data.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I have had the same outcome, voice and data work, BUT data is only HPSA+ at best. Do you get 4G LTE or found a way to get it?
Thanks!
ddckylec said:
Hi,
I have had the same outcome, voice and data work, BUT data is only HPSA+ at best. Do you get 4G LTE or found a way to get it?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, but that is because i am not in an area where ATT has LTE turned on. South Dakota is still on the waiting list. Verizon uses different frequencies for LTE then ATT does.
Verizon has never locked their phones, even the CDMA ones. If you put a non Verizon SIM in you can change the APN settings
Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk

tmobile sim and verizon galaxy s4?

I have been reading and searching online to find the definitive answer to this question. I am currently using a straight talk compatible sim in my verizon galaxy s4 and it works great - of course straight talk does not use LTE so I am limited to 3g speeds. I'm also trying to find out if it is possible to use a tmobile sim in the verizon galaxy s4 and get 3g speeds? How about LTE? The appropriate radios seem to be installed but I am not sure if that is enough. Has anyone done any testing on this front?
Thanks!
If you go into your hidden menus and dig around enough you will find options to enable the WCDMA and GSM radios. Back when I tanked my sim card I was digging through the menus for hours and at one point under network options I could see AT&T and T-Mobile signal even though I didn't have the SIM to actually connect.
I would imagine if I had the sim I could have connected no problem.
But because the menus are so deep and obnoxiously laid out, I don't have more specifics on where all to navigate to find the right options.
sent from my GE gs4
I tried with my Tmo Sim and was able to get the phone and 1xrtt and Edge data connections but not LTE. I don't know if Verizon has enabled the LTE bands that Tmo uses.
Sent from my Nexus 7 FHD using Tapatalk HD!
---------- Post added at 03:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:16 PM ----------
Dubbsy said:
If you go into your hidden menus and dig around enough you will find options to enable the WCDMA and GSM radios. Back when I tanked my sim card I was digging through the menus for hours and at one point under network options I could see AT&T and T-Mobile signal even though I didn't have the SIM to actually connect.
I would imagine if I had the sim I could have connected no problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you think there are options to enable different radio frequencies? I could connect to the Tmo GSM towers but couldn't get an LTE data signal.
Where were you looking in the menus?
Sent from my Nexus 7 FHD using Tapatalk HD!
rmanaka said:
I tried with my Tmo Sim and was able to get the phone and 1xrtt and Edge data connections but not LTE. I don't know if Verizon has enabled the LTE bands that Tmo uses.
Sent from my Nexus 7 FHD using Tapatalk HD!
---------- Post added at 03:22 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:16 PM ----------
Do you think there are options to enable different radio frequencies? I could connect to the Tmo GSM towers but couldn't get an LTE data signal.
Where were you looking in the menus?
Sent from my Nexus 7 FHD using Tapatalk HD!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You didn't get any signal because nothing was turned on in your hidden menus to allow it.
And yes, loads of frequencies listed for LTE, WCDMA, and GSM.
You have to enable hidden menu. Then start digging. Like I said there are too many options/submenus for me to remember exactly where everything was.
If someone really wants to get their phone on another network it is possible. They just have to really want it and therefore really put in the time to dig.
sent from my GE gs4
Band 4 LTE is disabled by the software on Verizon Galaxy S4. It will have band 4 LTE enabled when Verizon activates Band 4. They will release the firmware update that will enable it. So far you can only get 3g on 1.9 Ghz, 850 Mhz and 900 Mhz and 2g egde with gsm simcard.
seemcity said:
Band 4 LTE is disabled by the software on Verizon Galaxy S4. It will have band 4 LTE enabled when Verizon activates Band 4. They will release the firmware update that will enable it. So far you can only get 3g on 1.9 Ghz, 850 Mhz and 900 Mhz and 2g egde with gsm simcard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can this Band 4 LTE be enabled if the phone is rooted?
vikaspatil said:
Can this Band 4 LTE be enabled if the phone is rooted?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The latest update from 4.2.2 to 4.3 has an update in it to enable band 4 aws that vzw will be using. Once you've updated to 4.3, it's just a matter of waiting for vzw to turn on band 4 in your area.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
evltwn72 said:
The latest update from 4.2.2 to 4.3 has an update in it to enable band 4 aws that vzw will be using. Once you've updated to 4.3, it's just a matter of waiting for vzw to turn on band 4 in your area.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
However if you have a VZW Galaxy S4 on another network, the option of OTA 4.3 update I don't think is possible.
evltwn72 said:
The latest update from 4.2.2 to 4.3 has an update in it to enable band 4 aws that vzw will be using. Once you've updated to 4.3, it's just a matter of waiting for vzw to turn on band 4 in your area.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have updated my phone to android 4.3 and discontinued the contract with Verizon. Now I cannot access any updates from Verizon.
Do you still feel, when vzw turns on band 4 in my area, I can access 4G on my GS4 with Straight Talk sim(4G enabled)?
czarcas7ic said:
However if you have a VZW Galaxy S4 on another network, the option of OTA 4.3 update I don't think is possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I doubt it.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
thaydengeo said:
I have been reading and searching online to find the definitive answer to this question. I am currently using a straight talk compatible sim in my verizon galaxy s4 and it works great - of course straight talk does not use LTE so I am limited to 3g speeds. I'm also trying to find out if it is possible to use a tmobile sim in the verizon galaxy s4 and get 3g speeds? How about LTE? The appropriate radios seem to be installed but I am not sure if that is enough. Has anyone done any testing on this front?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can absolutely 100% confirm for you that a Verizon Galaxy S4 on the latest Verizon radio can access T-Mobile LTE. This post and its attached screenshots were done from T-Mobile LTE on a VZ GS4.
BillBauman said:
I can absolutely 100% confirm for you that a Verizon Galaxy S4 on the latest Verizon radio can access T-Mobile LTE. This post and its attached screenshots were done from T-Mobile LTE on a VZ GS4.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the process of switching to T-Mobile from Verizon. Could you do me a favor and tell me how you got your Verizon S4 to work on T-Mobile? I thought I needed a new phone altogether. According to your screenshots, I may not...
Anyone able to get LTE on a ATT network?
majeiks said:
I'm in the process of switching to T-Mobile from Verizon. Could you do me a favor and tell me how you got your Verizon S4 to work on T-Mobile? I thought I needed a new phone altogether. According to your screenshots, I may not...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's really not that hard. You just need to be able to add the APN for T-Mobile. The VZ phone is already unlocked. I also just flashed one of mine back to the MDK baseband (radio/modem) and it also supports T-Mobile LTE where I am. Coincidentally, it gets 2 bars + LTE in this particular location in LA whereas the T-Mobile GS4 with Tmob radio is getting 1 bar + LTE.
---------- Post added at 02:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:25 AM ----------
equake said:
Anyone able to get LTE on a ATT network?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I'm afraid that one's not going to (easily) happen. The phone may or may not have the hardware for it, but you'd need the right radio to enable the LTE band that AT&T uses. Right now, I don't know of one, and I don't feel like playing with the AT&T radios to see if they would happen to flash properly to enable things. T-Mobile & AT&T use relatively identical phones and can run LTE on each other's respective networks. So, I'd say, use one of their hardware sets on AT&T. I use AT&T LTE on a Nexus 5 and a T-Mobile GS4, but I can only get H+ on the VZ GS4 on AT&T. The VZ phone does do the T-Mobile LTE band just fine, though.
BillBauman said:
It's really not that hard. You just need to be able to add the APN for T-Mobile. The VZ phone is already unlocked. I also just flashed one of mine back to the MDK baseband (radio/modem) and it also supports T-Mobile LTE where I am. Coincidentally, it gets 2 bars + LTE in this particular location in LA whereas the T-Mobile GS4 with Tmob radio is getting 1 bar + LTE.
---------- Post added at 02:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:25 AM ----------
Sorry, I'm afraid that one's not going to (easily) happen. The phone may or may not have the hardware for it, but you'd need the right radio to enable the LTE band that AT&T uses. Right now, I don't know of one, and I don't feel like playing with the AT&T radios to see if they would happen to flash properly to enable things. T-Mobile & AT&T use relatively identical phones and can run LTE on each other's respective networks. So, I'd say, use one of their hardware sets on AT&T. I use AT&T LTE on a Nexus 5 and a T-Mobile GS4, but I can only get H+ on the VZ GS4 on AT&T. The VZ phone does do the T-Mobile LTE band just fine, though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was able to get LTE with AIO Wireless sim by toggling to LTE/GSM Auto(PRL). It seems to pickup Band 4 for ATT.
My 2 cents.
Does this still work?
I have a heightened interest in switching to T-Mobile now that they will pay for my early termination fee. I have a rooted VZW S4, added a new apn, and I am using an older sim card but i can't get it to connect to t-mobiles network. What all needs to be done to my phone in order for it to work. I did some research and saw that tmobile and verizon have the same LTE frequency and band.
EDIT (1/10/2014: I bought an activation kit at Walmart and activated the sim card. I am not connected.
I'm also using a Verizon Galaxy S4 with Straight Talk (ATT SIM). I have voice and text, but no data. I've changed the APN with no luck. I tried it in my Verizon Galaxy S3 and received E (Edge data) which was CRAZY slow. Any suggestions? I have a ATT Galaxy S4 Active being delivered today, so I guess it doesn't really matter, but very curious why I can't get any data on my Verizon S4 through Straight Talk.
If this helps anyone
This is how I have LTE with T-Mobile working on a Verizon S4...
I am getting 4Glte on my vzw S4 using tmobile prepaid!
When I got tmobile I was only getting H+ and 3g and all of a sudden I start getting 4Glte! I love it!
Tmob sim on unlocked G4s guide notes
I have a collection of notes on Signal improving topics, tricks etc. for the Gs4 at:
freeHelpingHands.wordpress DOT com

[Q] Verizon G3 on AT&T Network?

Hi all,
I tried searching but couldn't find an answer so here's my question:
Will the Verizon LG G3 work on AT&Tand will it get 4G and/ or LTE?
Yes.
jiml87 said:
Hi all,
I tried searching but couldn't find an answer so here's my question:
Will the Verizon LG G3 work on AT&Tand will it get 4G and/ or LTE?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends.
Verizon 700MHz Block C band 13, 1200/1900 AWS band 4.
AT&T 700MHz Block B Band 17, 1700AWS Band 4.
So the answer is only in markets where 1700AWS Band 4 is deployed for AT&T otherwise you ge HSPA+ which is not truly 4G.
Yes, he is right above. Where I live and have visited, I get LTE on both ATT and T-Mobile, or Edge on T-Mobile where they haven't yet refarmed their Edge towers. H+ is fine for me though, when I do sometimes see it. I have not had my Verizon LTE sim in my VG3 for over a month.
I get ATT LTE on the G3 often in regions like the NC coast where T-Mobile is only Edge.

[Q] [MODEM] Verizon S5 on T-Mobile

Hello All,
A family member recently purchased a VZW S5 and now I've helped to move them from VZW over to T-Mobile.
The phone is factory unlocked, and with the addition of the T-Mo SIM + the T-Mo APN, everything is up and running.
The key issue I am seeing is the signal strength vs. that of a true T-Mobile Handset. Example, in my house, I have 4 bars on my T-Mo Galaxy Note 3 but 1 bar on the VZW Galaxy S5. Additionally, it's constantly switching from LTE to H+ to 3G.
I've rooted the S5, custom ROM'd it, and even did the mod to unlock all of the different LTE bands but this hasn't helped.
The phone was running the latest FW from Verizon with the most recent Modem, but I'm wondering if there is another modem I could flash that is T-Mobile oriented that may help to improve the service.
Please let me know, thank you!
- Taxmaster
Taxmaster said:
Hello All,
A family member recently purchased a VZW S5 and now I've helped to move them from VZW over to T-Mobile.
The phone is factory unlocked, and with the addition of the T-Mo SIM + the T-Mo APN, everything is up and running.
The key issue I am seeing is the signal strength vs. that of a true T-Mobile Handset. Example, in my house, I have 4 bars on my T-Mo Galaxy Note 3 but 1 bar on the VZW Galaxy S5. Additionally, it's constantly switching from LTE to H+ to 3G.
I've rooted the S5, custom ROM'd it, and even did the mod to unlock all of the different LTE bands but this hasn't helped.
The phone was running the latest FW from Verizon with the most recent Modem, but I'm wondering if there is another modem I could flash that is T-Mobile oriented that may help to improve the service.
Please let me know, thank you!
- Taxmaster
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My understanding is that the phone simply doesn't have the hardware for all of the bands. It's not as simple as just flashing, to my knowledge. For example, I don't think the phone supports 2100 which is used by Tmobile in some areas.
I just went through the same process. Enabled the bands, tried different modems, no improvement. Finally, bought a T-Mobile S5 and sold the Verizon. Performance is far better, plus it supports Wi-Fi calling.
Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

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