  Robert
Premium Member
join:2001-08-25
Miami, FL |
Robert
Premium Member
2012-Oct-8 9:05 am
One Phone, Multiple NetworksWasn't there a time where the carriers were touting this idea that, once their networks were in sync, consumers would have the option of taking their device to any carrier they wanted? | |
|
 |  pnh102Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium Member
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD |
pnh102
Premium Member
2012-Oct-8 9:07 am
Re: One Phone, Multiple NetworksToo bad this isn't true for CDMA-based providers. It'd be nice if you could simply enter the ESN for any CDMA phone into your provider's website and BAM... service. | |
|
| |  mech1164I'll Be Back
join:2001-11-19
Lodi, NJ
1 recommendation |
Re: One Phone, Multiple Networkssaid by pnh102:Too bad this isn't true for CDMA-based providers. It'd be nice if you could simply enter the ESN for any CDMA phone into your provider's website and BAM... service.
That's what consumers want not what carriers want. The Carriers want only two things. More of your Money and CONTROL. By controlling the handsets and access they can force you to pay more money than it's worth for services you want. One day we might get it right as of now don't hold you breath. | |
|
| | | | |
Re: One Phone, Multiple NetworksThat is not true for any provider today, CDMA or GSM. The base frequencies are uniform(2G, mainly voice), but data (3G, LTE) frequencies are all over the map so if the phone doesn't support that band, then your $600 smartphone is a flip phone.
Outside of carriers locking phones, they create phones that don't work on others spectrum.
The big issue for Tmo is that their HSPA+ is very fast, except it has poor coverage and only their phones support these modes.
None of the iphones (CDMA/GSM - the CDMA do GSM) use data on 3G for TMO, it's all edge (2G), so dialup.
The iphone 5 now uses LTE in addition to the others, except Tmo current bands are still left out. So unless they have 1900Mhz (and I think Vegas just got on line) you are still on dialup. The metropcs dumping will help because they have CDMA frequencies and the all important NorthEast bandwidth that was lacking.
This is years down the road, so why would you want to put a $700 device in dialup mode when there are lots of prepaid options where it works in LTE mode? Or you could just pay the postpaid bounty. | |
|
| | | | | |
Re: One Phone, Multiple NetworksT-Mobile is deploying 1900Mhz HSPA+ at a lightning pace. Check out user reports here: » airportal.de/T-Mobile's coverage is not bad in urban areas, it just depends. Their plans are a great value for a lot of people. T-Mobile's LTE (launching next year, they're already working on it) is going to be compatible with all AT&T LTE phones. | |
|
| | | |  fuziwuziNot born yesterday
Premium Member
join:2005-07-01
Palm Springs, CA
Nest H2D
|
to elefante72
Please read up on CURRENT information. T-Mobile has been very busy refarming spectrum to deploy HSPA+ on the 1900MHz band, which every GSM iPhone supports for high-speed data. Several friends here in Atlanta that previously switched their iPhones to T-Mobile (and accepted they were getting 2G data) now have excellent HSPA+ speeds. This is with 3Gs and 4s phones. Several other metro areas have also been refarmed, with more on the way. T-Mobile is now even advertising with billboards and radio here in Atlanta that if you move your unlocked iPhone to them, you'll now receive great "4G" data (HSPA+) at a significantly cheaper price than AT&T. | |
|
| | | | | | |
Re: One Phone, Multiple NetworksThanks for posting this info, I had my unlocked iPhone 3GS on tmobile for awhile, I got 200k on the edge network, I switched to h2o wireless ( a mvno reselling AT&T) because their cheaper. I was paying 100 for 1000 mins. Good for 1 yr. but 1000 would never last. With h2o i got a free sim (mins bought thru pinzoo.com) and pay 25/mth prepaid monthly. For 1000 mins cool thing is $ balance rolls over, it doesn't sound like it from the site but they do. Data is slow 150-200k and burn up the $ quick. Now if tmobile supports my 3G data on my phone that would be very enticing. I currently run around with a Clear iSpot in my pocket. (Another $25/mth unlimited data 6/1 speed unlocked works for all my wifi devices  | |
|
| | | | | saiflu
join:2012-10-10
united state |
to fuziwuzi
Hi,
Did you say you were getting 4G in Atlanta?
I live here and am not getting any 4G, only Edge.
Where exactly are you getting 4G? | |
|
| | | | | | fuziwuziNot born yesterday
Premium Member
join:2005-07-01
Palm Springs, CA |
fuziwuzi
Premium Member
2012-Oct-14 8:56 am
Re: One Phone, Multiple NetworksSeveral of my friends here in Atlanta, with 3GS and 4, are now getting HSPA+ instead of EDGE. Perhaps it depends on your neighborhood. They are in Midtown. | |
|
| |
2 recommendations |
to pnh102
That's interesting because Repubs always talk about the market forces. Yet whenever you indicate failure after failure within the market of this flawed creed, I hear crickets.
It's not because CDMA carriers couldn't allow it, rather, it's much easier for them to block it and lock you into their network. It's no coincidence that this is not a problem elsewhere (like Europe), where the 'government' (aka We the People) have mandated open and compatible handsets and networks.
Our way is another reason why Verizon can now charge $40 for 300mb and get away with it too. | |
|
| | | pnh102Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium Member
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD
2 recommendations |
pnh102
Premium Member
2012-Oct-8 9:59 am
Re: One Phone, Multiple Networkssaid by Terabit:That's interesting because Repubs always talk about the market forces. Yet whenever you indicate failure after failure within the market of this flawed creed, I hear crickets.
Yawn. We get it. Everything is the Republicans' fault even when they aren't in power. Amazing how they can pull that off. said by Terabit:It's not because CDMA carriers couldn't allow it, rather, it's much easier for them to block it and lock you into their network. It's no coincidence that this is not a problem elsewhere (like Europe) That's interesting because Democrats always talk about how great everything in Europe is. Yet whenever you indicate failure after failure in Europe's own economic and debt problems of their flawed approach, I hear crickets. | |
|
| | | | Kommie2 (banned)
join:2003-05-13
united state |
Kommie2 (banned)
Member
2012-Oct-8 10:58 am
Re: One Phone, Multiple NetworksStop listening to Fox News. Scandinavia, Germany, and even Poland are doing very well. Greece is whats talked about, but there are other countries in Europe that are not having any economic failures. | |
|
| | | | | | |
Re: One Phone, Multiple NetworksI have a number of Belgian friends (10) that just got laid off in last few weeks.... Manufacturing production / orders are down at their facility and other Euro facilities for this large US company. | |
|
| | | | | pnh102Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium Member
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD |
to Kommie2
said by Kommie2:Stop listening to Fox News. Scandinavia, Germany, and even Poland are doing very well. Greece is whats talked about, but there are other countries in Europe that are not having any economic failures. Germany is doing well? After bailing out Greece twice? That's a laugh. Even they will run out of money at some point if they keep this BS up. And now they are looking to junk nuclear power completely? What a bunch of fools. | |
|
| | | | | | Kommie2 (banned)
join:2003-05-13
united state |
Kommie2 (banned)
Member
2012-Oct-8 9:43 pm
Re: One Phone, Multiple Networks
Yep, they are doing very well the number one economy in the Europe, and Germany is the world's third largest exporter. I bet Fox News does not mention that.
They can afford to bail out the Greeks thats why they did it. They are junking their nuclear due to concerns after the Japan disaster. They are heavily investing in renewable energy.
| |
|
| | | | | |
to pnh102
said by Terabit:That's interesting because Repubs always talk about the market forces. Yet whenever you indicate failure after failure within the market of this flawed creed, I hear crickets. That's because some (many? most?) conservatives take it too far, just as some (many? most?) liberals take it too far the other way. It is possible to have free and open markets, where market forces compete, and have the public not getting screwed. It's also possible to have reasonable government oversight and regulation and have businesses not getting screwed. For example: If you own the device, all compatible carriers must accept it. If a carrier subsidizes a phone, they are allowed to lock it to their network, but they must unlock it once the subsidization is satisfied. Carriers may not charge for subsidizing a phone when they're not, in fact, subsidizing a phone. said by pnh102:That's interesting because Democrats always talk about how great everything in Europe is. Yet whenever you indicate failure after failure in Europe's own economic and debt problems of their flawed approach, I hear crickets.
Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal are not "all of Europe." You might just as well blame the entire U.S. for California's failings. The truth is we have some of the most expensive, least bang-for-your-buck subscription TV, broadband and wireless services in the world. I don't care how you slice it, that's just wrong. Jim | |
|
| | | | | pnh102Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium Member
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD |
pnh102
Premium Member
2012-Oct-8 4:30 pm
Re: One Phone, Multiple Networkssaid by jseymour:Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal are not "all of Europe." You might just as well blame the entire U.S. for California's failings. And yet they do drag down the EU entirely. Why does the world care if 4 countries can't pay their bills? It is because when they fail, they will take the rest of the EU with them. And we'll have to add France to that list too. A 75% tax on the rich? Good grief what stupidity. | |
|
| | | |
thomasnetguy to pnh102
Anon
2012-Oct-8 11:02 am
to pnh102
said by pnh102:Too bad this isn't true for CDMA-based providers. It'd be nice if you could simply enter the ESN for any CDMA phone into your provider's website and BAM... service.
you actually can in ,ost cases if you are willing to do a bit of 'flashing' to get the setting right. while sprint does not allow flashed phones. verizon, cricket and metro always have. so while it is extremely rare for people to put spirnt phones on verizon it is entirely possible. flashing is common on cricket and metropcs. | |
|
| Slagish
Premium Member
join:2010-09-07
Joliet, IL |
to Robert
Wouldn't that be nice.
On the plus side, at least verizon iPhone 5 seem to work on AT&T HSPA+ network. And possibly work on Tmobiles network also. | |
|
| | |
JasonOD to Robert
Anon
2012-Oct-8 9:43 am
to Robert
Maybe the smaller carriers or elsewhere in the world, but no legitimate carrier here in the US would be want that. Or consumers for that matter as that would destroy carrier's phone subsidies. | |
|
| | (Software) pfSense
Asus RT-AC68
Asus RT-AC66
|
Re: One Phone, Multiple NetworksCarrier subsidies need to go, these subsidies are really a myth, they don't foot the bil, you do in the form of higher monthly bills, that they continue to charge you for even after the subsidy is covered.
Look at the $20 a month saving you get if you buy your own phone on t-mobile, or the prepaid byod sim plans and you'll quickly realize that those phone subsidies are actually not in the customer's best interest, maybe one day Sprint will follow t-mobile plans. | |
|
|  CamaroQuestion everything
Premium Member
join:2008-04-05
Westfield, MA |
to Robert
How about instead of running around spending money to bend over backwards for Apple just to get a buggy phone, I want more coverage, a hell of a lot more coverage. When I drive to Timbuktu I want full bars no question's asked. If it wasn't for the cheapest plans of all carriers I would have jumped ship, but I like my freedom of a GSM network. Plus for people who travel abroad there isn't much CDMA coverage if at all. Anyone who wants to read about the world carriers and there customer base here it is, scroll down and see where T mobile is ranked it's pretty funny. » en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li ··· perators | |
|
| | Robert
Premium Member
join:2001-08-25
Miami, FL |
Robert
Premium Member
2012-Oct-8 9:47 am
Re: One Phone, Multiple NetworksYou'll probably disagree with me, but I firmly believe that, because of Apple, AT&T, VZW, and soon, Sprint, have been upgrading their network to support the iPhone. | |
|
| | | CamaroQuestion everything
Premium Member
join:2008-04-05
Westfield, MA |
Camaro
Premium Member
2012-Oct-8 11:11 am
Re: One Phone, Multiple NetworksNo I wont disagree you have a good point, but if they do start upgrading we all know where its going to be. I would guess to say Boston, New York City, L.A. to name a few.
I just don't want to live in a big city or around one to get top notch coverage, I like going outside and cant see any of my neighbors,and I don't want a SAT. phone just to make a phone call. | |
|
| | | | (Software) pfSense
Asus RT-AC68
Asus RT-AC66
|
Re: One Phone, Multiple NetworksCarriers are always going to upgrade the areas that give them the biggest return on their investment first, ie Cites and other heavily populated areas and really they wouldn't be a very good business if they didn't.
As long as corporations run our wireless and wireline infrastructure, if you choose to live in very rural areas where you can't even see a neighbor, your going to be the last the get upgrades.
Like everything else it's a trade-off of where you choose to live, congestion and everything right at your fingertips when you live in a populated area like I do, NJ or open spaces and driving half an hour to the supermarket (not saying you do, but my parents lived in a place like you describe and it was a half hour drive to the supermarket) | |
|
| | | | | CamaroQuestion everything
Premium Member
join:2008-04-05
Westfield, MA |
Camaro
Premium Member
2012-Oct-8 11:53 am
Re: One Phone, Multiple NetworksAgree, But it still makes me feel better to complain.  | |
|
| |  PhoenixDownFIOS is Awesome
Premium Member
join:2003-06-08
Fresh Meadows, NY |
to Camaro
said by Camaro: Plus for people who travel abroad there isn't much CDMA coverage if at all.
Verizon will let you unlock any phone for international use. I can unlock my iphone for travel abroad if I wished. Only a few minor caveats on this which shouldn't be a problem for nearly all customers. | |
|
| | | |
Simon2 to Camaro
Anon
2012-Oct-11 5:29 pm
to Camaro
Why is t-mobile ranking funny? They are ranked higher (17) than Verizon (18) and AT&T (20)....although there is a 6-7 month difference in reported numbers.
Yet, t-mobile is considered 3rd largest in USA? | |
|
|  EliteDataEliteData
Premium Member
join:2003-07-06
Philippines |
to Robert
said by Robert:Wasn't there a time where the carriers were touting this idea that, once their networks were in sync, consumers would have the option of taking their device to any carrier they wanted?
that was a long time ago when there wasnt that many networks around, the biggest one at that time was at&t. | |
|
| | |
to Robert
This thread is doing a terrific job of confirming my decision to take a pass on "smart"phones Jim | |
|
| | Robert
Premium Member
join:2001-08-25
Miami, FL |
Robert
Premium Member
2012-Oct-8 12:46 pm
Re: One Phone, Multiple Networkssaid by jseymour:This thread is doing a terrific job of confirming my decision to take a pass on "smart"phones
Jim
Smartphones have their intended purpose, and for those of us that need access to e-mail, Internet, etc, they make for a wonderful tool. I personally am enjoying my iPhone 5. More than I thought I would. | |
|
| PhoenixDownFIOS is Awesome
Premium Member
join:2003-06-08
Fresh Meadows, NY |
to Robert
Does T-Mobile officially support visual voicemail now too? | |
|
| |
Network MapI do wish Tmobile would update their maps to illustrate active 1900 cells. | |
|
|  WiFiguruTo infinity... and beyond
Premium Member
join:2005-06-21
Seattle, WA
1 recommendation |
WiFiguru
Premium Member
2012-Oct-8 10:24 am
Re: Network Mapsaid by Terabit:I do wish Tmobile would update their maps to illustrate active 1900 cells.
Not official, but... » airportal.de/ | |
|
 n2jtx
join:2001-01-13
Glen Head, NY |
n2jtx
Member
2012-Oct-8 10:15 am
How MuchNot that I need one right now but I am curious how much they will sell for. I purchased a good quality micro-SIM cutter several months ago that works perfectly and cuts mini-SIM's down without any problem. It was about US$3.50 on eBay and I understand nano-SIM cutters are already appearing. Might make more sense to get a cutter if T-Mobile's prices are more than the cost of a cutter. SIM thickness does not appear to be an issue from tests people have done.
At this time, I have a Sprint locked iPhone 4S so I have no need for a nano-SIM. Still it is always good to plan ahead just in case. The bigger problem for me will be getting Sprint to completely unlock my iPhone next October when the two year contract is up. So far they have been telling people who have paid the ETF or otherwise completed their contract to go pound sand. Much like AT&T was doing until April. | |
|
|
•••• |
| |
Is it worth it?To do this, you have to go to Apple and buy an unlocked iPhone 5 for $600 or more or wait forever to get a used one on craigslist. Sure doesn't seem worth it to me. | |
|
| |
CoverageT mobile has no 3G in my area, 2G is very spotty. 4G is 50 miles away.
\
But AT and T has a HSPA tower a mile away and Verizon has a Ev-Do
tower 5 miles away. Sprint has WiMax 2 mi away. T- Mobile sucks in VA. T-N/Amobile FAR FAR AWAY. | |
|
|  Lone WolfRetired
Premium Member
join:2001-12-30
USA |
Re: CoverageI suggest you move to Bowling Green, KY. Coverage should be better there as the population is 100X more than your Bowling Green!  | |
|
| | | |
Re: CoverageYeah 2G coverage in (most of) BG, Kentucky according to T-Not Ava
ible Mobile.com, just like BG, Virginia | |
|
 tmh
@verizon.net |
tmh
Anon
2012-Oct-8 7:41 pm
The tail's wagging the dogThe problem isn't T's poor coverage for iPhone users. Quite simply, the iPhone's radio band coverage is inferior.
Get a Google Nexus or Galaxy S III T999. Worldwide HSDPA support. Never have to worry about what band your provider's on.
Leave all the GPRS bound iLosers in the dust. | |
|
|
|
