Compatible carriers
 

There often are questions like It's not possible to answer this question comprehensively for every carrier in every country.
Usually you visit pages like http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/byop.html and compare the bands to what the planned P*S8 modems in Neo900 can do.
When all you can find is fuzzy stuff like http://support.sasktel.com/app/answe...ail/a_id/15950 then please consider this
Or you look up in this thread if somebody else already did that for you. ;-)
Of course answering here when you found reliable info (ideally with URL reference) will also be appreciated

cheers
jOERG

================================================== ==========================
adding a quick lookup table here, summarizing the results from below. See post #2 for details on modem capabilities and excellent post #3 for an evaluation summary

Note: we might limit the number of modems offered, to streamline production. So sub-types like PHS8-E / PHS8-US with reduced featureset may not be available when we also offer PHS8-P.

first spreadsheet version: http://neo900.org/stuff/bands-poland-new.ods

essential info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMTS_frequency_bands
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LTE_frequency_bands
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks
For CDMA don't miss our PXS8 option and also see http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?p=1473501

please note: we accept no liability for correctness of any data listed in this thread, or the conclusions therefrom! It's up to you to make sure that the carrier of your choice actually works with the modem of your choice. Modem data as provided by Cinterion/Gemalto and subject to change: http://neo900.org/faq#networks
NOTE: All technical specifications, incl modem component, subject to change for Neo900 during development!

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Carrier provided data:
AT&T BYOP (bring your own phone): http://www.att.com/shop/wireless/byop.html

Modem compatibility breakdown:
PLS8 http://m2m.gemalto.com/tl_files/cint...t_PLS8_web.pdf
For now it's unclear if there will be a non-economy global PLS8 version available, that merges the capabilities of the -E and -US variant.

recommended version for LTE in Europe and some other countries, supports EU-3G and EU-2G but limited roaming capabilities, not even GSM quadband, so no roaming to e.g. USA
LTE: NOT COMPATIBLE
UMTS: NOT COMPATIBLE
2G: unclear if AT&T supports any GSM, anyway the PLS8-E does not support the usual US-GSM 850/1900 bands.


recommended version for LTE in USA and some other countries, supports some US-3G and global-2G but limited roaming capabilities
4G LTE network AWS (OK) / 700(OK) / 850 (OK) / 1900MHz(OK) bands
3G UMTS network 850/1900MHz(OK) bands
2G: unclear if AT&T supports any GSM. PLS8-US supports US bands 850/1900


PHS8 http://m2m.gemalto.com/tl_files/cint...t_PHS8_web.pdf
recommended version for "global" 3G, no LTE, supports global-2G. The -P variant supports analog audio which we don't need. Found no diff between -J and -K variant so far.
4G LTE network Not Applicable
3G UMTS network 850/1900MHz(OK) bands
2G: unclear if AT&T supports any GSM. PHS8-P/J/K supports US bands 850/1900

low cost variant of PHS8 - we probably won't offer this variant
4G LTE network Not Applicable
3G UMTS network 850/1900MHz(OK) bands
2G: unclear if AT&T supports any GSM. PHS8-US supports US bands 850/1900

low cost variant of PHS8 - we probably won't offer this variant
4G LTE network Not Applicable
3G UMTS network NOT COMPATIBLE
2G: unclear if AT&T supports any GSM. PHS8-E has NO SUPPORT for US bands 850/1900


PXS8 http://m2m.gemalto.com/tl_files/cint...t_PXS8_web.pdf
recommended version for "global" 3G, no LTE, supports global-2G and CDMA2000 / EV-DO Rev. A thus extended roaming capabilities
4G LTE network Not Applicable
3G UMTS network 850/1900MHz(OK) bands
2G: unclear if AT&T supports any GSM. PXS8-US supports US bands 850/1900

Re: Compatible carriers
 

There are 2 major carriers in the US built on GSM technology: AT&T and T-Mobile USA

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cellula..._Frequency_Use

The "basic" frequencies are as follows:

GSM (2G)
AT&T - 1900, and 850 in some markets
T-Mobile - 1900

3G & 4G
AT&T - 1900, and 850 in some markets
T-Mobile - AWS (1700/2100), which is different from the 2100 band used in Europe; 1900 in addition to/instead of AWS in some markets

It is safest to assume that the bands cited above are the "baseline" assumptions of what should work for each carrier. But, if you look at the chart (and at other resources), it gets more complicated than that:

- There are some limited roaming agreements in place that allow T-Mobile customers roaming privileges (for voice only) on AT&T's 850 network in some places where T-mobile has no coverage

- AT&T does not have 850 available in all markets. But you'll ideally want a module with both 850 and 1900, since AT&T will "load-balance" between the two where they have both bands, to help manage capacity

- In general, T-Mobile seems to be moving it's 4G service to it's AWS frequencies while repurposing the 1900 band as primarily 3G. Or else, build new 3G coverage either via AWS or 1900, but not both. You already see T-Mobile 3G on the 1900 band in a lot of markets, but it is certainly not universal. So, if you are a T-mobile subscriber, you might still be able to get 3G with the PHS8 variants (except for PHS8-E) if you are in an area where they have added 3G to the 1900 band, but there are no guarantees.

- AT&T and T-Mobile seem to be developing LTE on the 700 band as well

- In theory, you may be able to use the variant that includes CMDA (PXS8) with Verizon (the largest CDMA carrier in the US). But Verizon, as of right now, does not provide SIM cards for unlocked phones for the purposes of accessing it's CDMA network.

So, net, it's really complicated. No variant will perfectly meet every need, especially if you want to use high speed data both in the US and abroad.

Re: Compatible carriers
 

For US customers, PLS8-US seems to be the safest choice for 4G coverage in the US, as long as you don't mind EDGE speeds when roaming outside North America and maxing out at UMTS speeds where you don't have 4G coverage in the US.

PHS8-P / PHS8-J / PHS8-K seem to be the best compromise for global travelers, as long as you don't mind lack of 4G

PHS8-E and PHS8-US seem to be less flexible than the other PHS8 variants, so I wonder what the advantages are with using these modules.

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Price :D

/jOERG

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Ha ha, I did not think of the obvious.

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Poland

Every major operator (Plus, Orange, T-Mobile, Play, Cyfrowy Polsat) uses GSM900, GSM1800, UTMS900, UMTS2100 and FDD LTE1800 bands (the last one isn't ready right now on some networks, but by the time Neo900 is out it should be operational everywhere). In next years FDD LTE800 should also be available, but AFAIK it's not known yet which operators will win the permissions for needed frequencies.

Therefore, the best options for Neo900 user from Poland are:

• PLS8-E - works at every band mentioned above, including LTE1800 and LTE800
• PHS8-E - works at every non-LTE band (obviously, as it doesn't support LTE ;) )
• PHS8-P/J/K - the same as PHS8-E
• PXS8 - the same as PHS8-E and PHS8-P/J/K, with additional CDMA2000 support on 800/1900MHz. While there are some CDMA networks like Centertel, I'm not aware of any consumer-grade CDMA service in Poland, so PXS8 is probably not worth it when one wants to use Neo900 mostly in Poland.

The non-optimal, but somehow working option:

• PLS8-US - despite general support for UMTS and LTE, it supports only GSM900 and GSM1800 from bands used in Poland, so it's limited to 2G there

Not working at all:

• PHS8-US/USA

Supplement:
Some people may be interested in support for Aero2 BDI (free internet service). Aero2 BDI operates on UMTS900 and (soon?) TDD LTE2600. While UMTS900 is supported by PLS8-E, PHS8-E, PHS8-P/J/K and PXS8, TDD LTE2600 is not supported by any offered variant (PLS8 supports only FDD bands). So, Aero2 BDI should work on Neo900, but not on its LTE network that's currently in development (so just like almost any device out there, as TDD LTE2600 is used almost nowhere :) ).

Main source: https://www.uke.gov.pl/pozwolenia-ra...oraz-cdma-4145 - however, lists here contain all permissions for operating BTSes, so some of them might not be operational yet (or maybe even at all). While for GSM/UMTS it's doesn't seem to be problem, for LTE it is, as only small part of allowed stations are actually in use and there's a lot of inter-roaming between companies and networks, so I tried to validate it all with press releases and news notes about LTE deployments.

ODS source for table: http://neo900.org/stuff/bands-poland.ods

Re: Compatible carriers
 

in Malaysia and Indonesia, maximum only for 3G, whilst 4G need to be supported by another modem

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Australian Bands:

2G

2G, other wise known as GSM, is standard on almost all phones (except CDMA phones in the USA). Most new phones come with quad band GSM support. A quad band GSM phone supports 850, 900, 1800, and 1900MHz.

2G is old technology and provides a fall back position when 3G coverage is unavailable.

Australian 2G bands:

900Mhz (Telstra, Optus & Vodafone)
1800Mhz (Telstra, Optus & Vodafone)
3G

There are several 3G networks operating in Australia. 3G frequencies are usually specified as UMTS/HSDPA or WCDMA frequencies on the mobile phone specifications.

Australian 3G bands:

850MHz (Telstra, Vodafone) – Exclusive 3G band
900MHz (Optus, Vodafone) – available in most metro areas on Optus, with both Optus and Vodafone re-farming the 2G 900 spectrum in regional and rural areas
2100MHz (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone) – Exclusive 3G band
4G

Australia is currently using these LTE bands (LTE bandmask in brackets):

2100Mhz (B1) FDD (0000000000000001) – Telstra (3G spectrum)
1800Mhz (B3) FDD (0000000000000004) – Telstra, Optus, Vodafone
900Mhz (B8) FDD (0000000000000080) – Telstra, Vodafone?, Optus (utilises spectrum previously used by 2G)
2300Mhz (B40) TDD (0000008000000000) – Optus (Vivid wireless spectrum)
To follow late 2014:

2600Mhz (B7) FDD (0000000000000040) – Telstra, Optus, TPG?
700Mhz (B28) FDD (0000000008000000) – Telstra, Optus
LTE (Long Term Evolution)/ 4G – more information

Telstra, Optus and Vodafone sell dual mode LTE/ HSPA+ mobile broadband devices that operate seamlessly across 2100Mhz, 1800MHz, 900Mhz and 850MHz spectrum bands, providing customers with 4G(LTE) data where it is available and then seamless switchover to the 3G HSPA technology in other areas. Voice is currently 3G only

In April(2011) Vodafone announced it will replace 8000 2G and 3G base stations with equipment which can be switched to LTE "at the flick of a switch".

In September 2012, Optus announced the activation of its 1800 MHz 4G LTE service in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Newcastle. 1800 4G was first trialled in Newcastle (mid 2012). Brisbane and the GoldCoast 4G was activated on 31st October 2012 and Adelaide, just in time for Christmas.

4G Band Plans

Note: During 2013, Telstra Vodafone and Optus by arrangement, swapped 1800Mhz spectrum allocations to provide each with 2 x 20Mhz of contiguous spectrum.

Telstra 1800MHz, 2100Mhz and 900MHz FDD-LTE (see below)

The 1800 service is currently rolled out with 10, 15 and 20MHz carriers. Operating frequencies are as follows:

Most areas in Australia including regional Victoria 4G have carriers with up to 15MHz bandwidth:

Tower Tx: 1805-1820MHz
Tower Rx: 1710-1725MHz
New South Wales and Metro Melbourne & Geelong have carriers with up to 10MHz bandwidth:

Tower Tx: 1805-1815MHz
Tower Rx: 1710-1720MHz
Telstra indicates it will roll-out out 900MHz LTE in mid 2013 to increase coverage depth. This will be a re-farm of 2G 900 spectrum. A 5Mhz bandwidth LTE carrier is the most likely solution. Ref. It will deploy 900/1800 carrier aggregation.

Optus 1800 (FDD-LTE) + 2300 MHz (TDD-LTE)

The 2300 MHz Band 40 Optus spectrum was obtained courtesy of the Vivid Wireless acquisition. It provides up to 98MHz bandwidth in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide. Canberra may be one of the first 2300 4G locales with a 3 x 20Mhz channel roll-out, sometime in 2013. It is called 4G Plus by Optus.

ref1, ref2, ref3. Excellent Optus 4G band allocation and explanation here

The Optus 1800MHz FDD-LTE service currently supports up to 20MHz of duplex bandwidth.

10Mhz carrier

Transmission Downlink: 1840MHz – 1850MHz
Transmission Uplink: 1745MHz – 1755MHz
The Optus 2300 TDD-LTE service provides up to 98MHz of continuous spectrum:

Optus have plans to convert the 2300MHz band into a TDD-LTE service. TDD differs from normal FDD-LTE services by using only one frequency band to serve as both an upload and download channel. This means that 98MHz of spectrum must be shared between both upload and download, and while this may offer some benefits in dynamically scaling back upload bandwidth to support higher downloads (or vice versa), this means that we shouldn't be quite as excited about the 98MHz of bandwidth as we might have initially been.

Vodafone 4G

The Vodafone 1800MHz FDD-LTE service currently supports up to 20MHz of duplex bandwidth.

Telstra 3G (NextG)

NextG is Telstra's 3G offering. It operates on the 850 Mhz frequency in all areas (with some busy areas more recently using 2100Mhz for extra capacity). For full NextG support throughout Australia, you should get a phone that supports UMTS 850.

Previously, if you did not use a phone with 850 Mhz 3G support, the Telstra/Three joint network known as 3GIS was available on 2100 Mhz 3G within Metro areas. As of September 2012, the 3GIS network has been shut down, however some 3GIS base stations have been repurposed to the NextG network.

Telstras Network is made up of DC-HSPA+ (42Mbps), HSPA+ (21Mbps) and HSPA (7.2Mbps) towers depending on location. Note: requires confirmation

Tower Rx /Tower Tx
The Telstra 850MHz NextG services operates on one of 2 paired 5 or 10 MHz channels.
ie 830 – 845 MHz (Tower Rx) and 875 – 890 MHz (Tower Tx)

830 – 835 / 875 – 880 MHz – 1 x paired 5Mhz channel
ACMA Centre Frequencies: 832.5Mhz (Tower Rx)/ 877.5Mhz (Tower Tx)
835 – 845 / 880 – 890 MHz – 1 x paired 10Mhz channel
ACMA Centre Frequencies: 840Mhz (Tower Rx)/ 885Mhz (Tower Tx)
2100MHz NextG services ... *** to be completed ***.
Optus 3G – more information

Note: Optus is now licensed for 2100 MHz in a number of rural locations.

The Optus 3g operates on dual frequencies; 900 and 2100 MHz.

Optus 900 Mhz 3G is provided by 're-farming' their national 900 2G band for both 2g and 3G services; predominantly in regional and rural areas, now also available in most metro areas for 3G use. Optus pioneered 3g 're-farming' of 900 2G bandwidth. The Optus WCDMA carrier is centered in the middle of their 8.4 Mhz 900 allocation; providing a single 3G 3.84 Mhz bandwidth WCDMA carrier and 10 x GMSK 200kHz wide GSM channels, on either side of the WCDMA channel. It is a delicate Optus balancing act using scarce 900 bandwidth. ref ACMA pdf ref ACMA pdf More information about 900mhz Optus – Posts by davmel

Optus – Tower Rx /Tower Tx
898.4 – 906.8 / 943.4 – 951.8 MHz, 1 x paired 8.3MHz channel
The Optus 2100 MHz 3G band is predominantly deployed in cities and major regional areas. The ACMA has recently granted Optus, an additional 972 x 2100 MHz licences for regional and rural capacity expansion – ref ACMA ref Optus Media Release

Optus – Tower Rx /Tower Tx
tba
Vodafone 3G

Operates on dual frequencies; 900 and 2100 MHz.

Vodafone are also rolling out a 3G 850 range with aim to have it completed by 2012. See More

Tower Rx /Tower Tx
906.8 – 915 / 951.8 – 960 MHz, 1 x paired 8.3MHz channel
3G Hi-band 1900-2100Mhz
The 3G Hi-band 1900-2100Mhz is used by Optus, Telstra and VHA.

Tower Rx /Tower Tx
1920 – 1980Mhz (tower Rx), 2110 – 2170Mhz (tower Tx) using multiple paired 5Mhz and 10Mhz channels
** to be completed **

Optus and Vodafone resellers (Virgin, TPG, Exetel, etc)
These companies provide 3G services on the 2100 Mhz band in Metro areas and some Regional areas and on 900 Mhz.
Virgin is also providing 4G services on the Optus 1800 Mhz LTE Network

For full 3G support throughout Australia, you should get a phone that supports UMTS 900/2100.

Importing Phones from Overseas

Importing phones from the UK/Europe will likely mean receiving a UMTS 900/2100 phone. Make sure this is suitable for you!

Importing phones from the US will result in either a 850/1900 or 850/1900/2100 or 1700/2100 or 900/1700/2100 UMTS phone (make sure you don't import a CDMA phone). AT&T usually supply 850/1900 models sometimes with the addition of 2100 Mhz. T-Mobile usually supply 1700/2100 models sometimes with the addition of 900. Double check the frequency specifications before importing!

Carriers in Canada also support UMTS 850/1900 along with 1700 Mhz, therefore NextG compatible phones may be sourced there also.


CREDIT goes to:
http://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/mobile_phone_frequencies

Re: Compatible carriers
 

to our valued readers: don't worry, I will write a sum-up of the above post#9 (when I find the time to analyze all that and actually can boil it down to a concise coherent conclusion)
seems a bit confusing and self-contradictory.

Anyway the above post clearly kicked USA from top position of my personal list of countries with the most terribly messed up cellphone situation.

Re: Compatible carriers
 

CANADA

I figured considering there are plenty of Canadian network providers with options...and a waste to type it all....so finding a chart with comparisons was easiest. Unfortunately getting better quality out of the pic and having it under the upload max specs wasn't working for me very well...here is the link instead to the list of Canadian Networks

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...hone_companies

Hmmm....actually considering the phasing out of cdma over the next couple of years it may deter some from aiming at the PSX8 (won't deter me frankly...most of the globe isn't fortunate enough to have 4g speeds and when I travel it would be nice for the option....and gsm shouldn't be a prob here...) and so the Canadian chart is correct....cdma is available (for how long and for legacy phones/contracts/members seems to be the issue...and so over the next few years ...2017 being the last provider to carry it...the list will dwindle to 0 for cdma carriers) albeit misleading in it's omissions

Here is a (more honest) comprehensive (GSM) Canadian List

http://maps.mobileworldlive.com/netw...0&cname=Canada

A simple breakdown of all carriers by generations... would be....

2G(CDMA/EVDO) GSM: 850/1900 (Rogers, Fido, and MVNOs operating on the Rogers network such as 7-11 and Petro Canada)

3G(GSM/GPRS/EDGE) GSM: 850/1900 (All major networks EXCEPT WIND Mobile and Mobilicity)

(UMTS) AWS 1700/2100 (WIND Mobile and Mobilicity...these companies (are very localized to major urban centres...hence... limited cross-country availability and) are in a current state of flux due to possible buy out by other corps...and limiting restrictions into the canadian market....avoidance is suggested. )

4G LTE: AWS 1700 (Rogers, Bell, Telus and their subsids. - Fido, Virgin, and Koodo...) . Regional carriers may offer LTE coverage

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Israel

Source in Hebrew


ODS source of the table

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Jersey

There are three carriers in Jersey.

JT (JT Global/Jersey Telecom):
2G: GSM 900/1800 [GPRS/EDGE]
3G: UMTS 2100 [W-CDMA/HSDPA] [1]

Airtel (Airtel Jersey/Airtel Vodafone):
2G: GSM 900/1800 [GPRS/EDGE]
3G: UMTS 2100 [W-CDMA/HSDPA] [1]

Sure (Cable and Wireless):
2G: GSM 900/1800 [GPRS/EDGE]
3G: UMTS 2100 [W-CDMA/HSDPA (contract only)] [1]

It looks like suitable modems for the current implementations will be:
PLS8-E, PHS8-P/J/K, PHS8-E or PXS8

PLS8-US looks like it would work, but not with UMTS.

There are no LTE carriers yet, but the regulator expects to have frequencies allocated this year. These will be in the 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz bands. [2]

This means that the ideal future proof modem is:
PLS8-E

Edit 13/02/2015:

The regulator allocated 800 MHz, 1.8 GHz and 2.6 GHz to all three carriers for LTE[-A] in July 2014. [3]

JT's LTE-A network is live as of February 2015. [4]

PLS8-E is therefore the correct modem, as expected.

[1] [2] [3] [4]

Edit 21/05/2015:

JT definitely appears to have an LTE-A (LTE Advanced) network (it appears in a wide range of marketing materials and FAQs). I can't find any evidence that Airtel or Sure do, but they do both seem to have at least LTE. Airtel claimed to wish to deploy LTE-A a couple of years ago [5].

The PLS8-E modem appears to be LTE only [6], but LTE and LTE-A are backwards and forwards compatible with each other so it is of no great concern, despite not being able to take full advantage of an LTE-A network.

[5] [6]

Re: Compatible carriers
 

I like the spreadsheet overview that dos1 and DDark compiled. Perhaps we can put up a shared document/template to compile all of the countries in one document for those interested in contributing?

I plan on creating a similar table for the USA.

Re: Compatible carriers
 

I can't find a way to view those attachments in a reasonable resolution so I could actually read them. Seems tmo is flawed?
That's been the plan started with that "table" in that second half of post #1
I am not sure they actually created those tables, they rather look like wikipedia tables. If those tables are OO spreadsheets, then I'd be willing to merge any such .od* attachments into one document and publish that in here and on wiki in editable and viewable (html-exported, pdf, jpg, whatever) form [edit] link to first prerelease version to be found in post#1

/j

Re: Compatible carriers
 

I'll clear this up a bit. 2G CDMA is of no consequence in Canada. The networks were used for Bell/Telus but from what I gather are now only sold by discount MVNO's. Bell/Telus share a 3G HSPA network nationwide, coverage is not an issue. MTS and Sasktel also adopted HSPA.

Big 3 Breakdown

Rogers 2G is GSM, 850/1900 (not cdma/evdo)
Rogers/Bell/Telus 3G (HSPA) 850/1900
Rogers/Bell/Telus LTE AWS (band 4)
Rogers/Bell LTE 2600 (band 7 - additional deployment in cities)
Rogers/Bell LTE 700 *NEW* (looks like probably band 17)

WIND 3G HSPA AWS (regional carrier in ontario).
Mobilicity ^^ (pending acquisition by Telus)

Re: Compatible carriers
 

My mistake you are right it is 2g gsm not cdma/evdo...I kinda mooshed them together there.
To reiterate...Prepaid from petro-can and 7-11 are the viable tourist option...and with specific carriers IF you are a long standing member some will carry cdma but it is being phased out.

Localized Regional Carriers are great ..so are the subsids...fido...koodo...virgin and the like ....they offer good deals...but are best if you stay put in their coverage area and don't roam.

Unlike the majority of countries....the sheer size of Canada really makes a soul question localized service. For example... those few (if any) possible future neo900 owners living in Manitoba or Saskatchewan it may be an option for MTS or Sasktel ...possibly even for a visiting tourist who is a neo900 user... passing through...but the relevance is questionable...I have relatives I visit in Manitoba...mom and sisters I visit back in Ontario and more relations out near Halifax on the east coast I see at least once a year...from Van Isle on the west coast to Halifax in a straight line it's 4 500 km ....for those of you from smaller countries...to put in perspective....that is at least ...60 hours of non stop driving ...which is lunacy by the way....being a commuting internal "tourist" I can't imagine I would ever make it to the other coast if I were dealing with localized regional carriers along the way...nor would I consider them a permanent option..even my own regional carriers aren't really an option...not if you travel. And for neo900 users from other countries traveling and vacationing through Canada......
I can't say I would be aiming at spotty localized regional coverage as an option if it were me.
Much as I hate to say it ...the big three here Rogers Bell and Telus...are the boys to go with...for consistent coverage..coast to coast...

And frankly consistent coverage is reaaallly relative even then...
For those not familiar with the Canadian landscape ...open your browser and type in gsm or lte coverage maps ...(by carrier or not)...of Canada....and you'll see that the coverage is hardly consistent throughout the country...it's ALOT of country...can't cover it all...only the populated areas really get the coverage....hell..I'm just under 25 miles from Vancouver (one of the largest cities in Canada)...hell I can see it!...clear line of sight across the water! and cell reception is spotty and cuts out...gotta go outside and go for a walk to get reception some times....It's the mountains and hills ....they do a number on reception regardless of how many cell towers there are around you. The country is vast...if you visit and want to go off the beaten path...don't expect coverage. That is one thing I personally do like...the ability to not be in constant available contact...perpetually connected.

Anyway....cdma is going out...but it is not quite yet of no consequence...gsm is solid...lte is becoming prominent.

Re: Compatible carriers
 

VERY useful external links:
http://www.4gamericas.org/index.cfm?...age&pageid=939 (LTE/4G global, weak assertion about 3G)
http://reboot.fcc.gov/reform/systems/spectrum-dashboard (the americas, lots of "tools")
http://www.handy-karten.de/mobilfunk...requenzen.html (very simple table of worldwide countries vs bands, german language but not a problem really)
http://www.lte-anbieter.info/lte-whitepapers.php collection of about cellular/LTE whitepapers, mostly english language

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UMTS_networks

According to
http://www.elektronik-kompendium.de/...om/1608181.htm
the last 2 lines list the frequencies a modem must support for worldwide roaming.
The PHS8 (over)complies with the UMTS and GSM part.
LTE: the PLS8-E alas doesn't really comply with either LTE nor UMTS nor even GSM, so not a roaming solution (in USA odds are you can't even do phonecalls with this) but perfect for LTE in Europe. PLS8-US isn't capable of reasonable roaming either, but at least has all GSM bands for worldwide voice.
Ideally we should build a Neo900 with a PLS8-E, a PLS8-US and a PXS8, a 6 antennae and 3+ SIM slots with multiplexer to connect any modem to any SIM ;-)

Sorry for german language, a google-translate for sure is worth it since this article is very informative and accurate.
Many thanks to Walter B. for the awesome help once more.

/j

Re: Compatible carriers
 

"Ideally we should build a Neo900 with a PLS8-E, a PLS8-US and a PXS8, a 6 antennae and 3+ SIM slots with multiplexer to connect any modem to any SIM ;-)"

THAT sounds perfectly fine and reasonable to me....
seems like something I would have eventually suggested anyway...
glue 'em alll together and see what happens :D...
label THAT model the neo900 Baeblephone :D

[sigh] Actually y'know I would want such a beast (if it could be done)....

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Sweden (Source)

Re: Compatible carriers
 

hi guys, sorry a bit late

Here's my coverage:

Malaysia

The following networks operate in this country/area:

Celcom Axiata Berhad (CELCOM GSM)


GSM 900

GSM 1800

3G 2100


DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (DiGi)


GSM 1800

3G 2100


Maxis Communications Berhad (MMS & MB)


GSM 900/1800

3G 2100


U Mobile Sdn. Bhd. (U Mobile)


3G 2100


Indonesia


The following networks operate in this country/area:

PT Indosat Tbk (INDOSAT)


GSM 900/1800

GSM 1800

PT Telekomunikasi Selular (TELKOMSEL)


GSM 900/1800

3G 2100

PT. Smartfren Telecom Tbk. (PT Mobile-8 Telekom Tbk)


CDMA 800

CDMA 2000 1X


PT. Axis Telekom Indonesia (AXIS)


GSM 1800

3G 2100


PT. Hutchison 3 Indonesia (3)


GSM 1800

3G 2100


PT. XL Axiata Tbk (XL)


GSM 900/1800

so according to all modem specs, PLS8-E , PLS8-US , PHS8-P/J/K, PHS8-E, PHS8-US/USA and PXS8

for the moment, PXS8 work for Indonesia market because they are the one with CDMA and PLS8-E is best for Malaysia

Will be much better if you guys implement dual SIM card for Asian customers. Sorry if asking too much [Not feasible] requests

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Hello,

Here is what I've found for France.

source 1 : http://www.arcep.fr/fileadmin/repris...ole-260410.pdf
source 2 : http://www.lowcostmobile.com/actuali...e-gsm-umts-lte

If I correctly understand, the PLS8-E should be the best solution.

Re: Compatible carriers
 

ITALY

2G capabilities: GSM 900, GSM 1800

3G capabilities: UMTS 2100

4G capabilities: LTE 800, LTE 1800, LTE 2600

from http://www.gsmarena.com/network-band...sCountry=ITALY

Carriers: H3G, Wind, Vodafone, TIM

H3G:
3G capabilities: UMTS 2100
4G capabilities: LTE 1800, LTE 2600

Wind:
2G capabilities: GSM 900, GSM 1800
3G capabilities: UMTS 2100
4G capabilities: LTE 800, LTE 2600

Vodafone:
2G capabilities: GSM 900, GSM 1800
3G capabilities: UMTS 2100
4G capabilities: LTE 800, LTE 1800, LTE 2600

TIM:
2G capabilities: GSM 900, GSM 1800
3G capabilities: UMTS 2100
4G capabilities: LTE 800, LTE 1800, LTE 2600

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Vietnam

viettel
mobiphone
vinaphone
GSM; 900/1800
UMTS : 2100

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Russia:
GSM 900/1800 MHz
UMTS 900/2100 MHz
LTE FDD 800/2600 MHz
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_o...ian_Federation

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Quick question...
Where can cellular modem options for Neo900 be discussed? A comparison of them made? It may be an obvious reason which I do not notice, but why all the modems listed are gemalto's?

For example:

PHS8 and PXS8 have only GPS, no backup. PLS8 has GPS/AGPS/GLONASS. Qualcomm's MDM9625+ and MDM9225+ have GPS+GLONASS+Beidou.

PHS8 and PXS8 have 3G+2G+GPRS/EDGE. PLS8 has GPRS/EDGE+4G(Quad Band LTE, Tri Band UMTS/DC-HSPA+).
PXS8 has Dual-Band CDMA. PHS8 has TCP/IP.

Qualcomm's MDM9625+ and MDM9225+ have GSM/GPRS/EDGE, TD-SCDMA, LTE Adv. Cat 4, LTE FDD/TDD CAT 3, SVLTE-DB, HSPA+ Release10, EGAL.
MDM9625 is considered a bit more advanced (world mode). I am not sure if I understand correctly, but the specification sheet includes WiFi for all Qualcomm MDM chips (it's like having FM radio transceiver and Bluetooth on one chip: very confusing).

I am confused with all these bands, but 'world mode' sounds interesting. I am personally more interested in GPS+GLONASS+Beidou bit.

Best wishes.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Per aspera ad astra...

Re: Compatible carriers
 

All of the variants (PHS8, PXS8 and PLS8) support GPS and GLONASS, both with assistance mode.

Modem variants are only from Gemalto, because they are pin-compatible with each other, which makes all this "modem selection" possible.

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Alright. I was looking only at the first page of the pdf file; I should have scrolled down.
Interesting... Would Qualcomm's variants be pin-compatible with each other, too? Either way, it's awkward when different chipset makers have different pins, as if they just wanted to stop users from jumping between different manufacturers.
Best wishes. Thank you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Per aspera ad astra...

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Hi,

For New Zealand.

PLS8-e would be best for LTE in NZ as the NZ LTE frequency is 1800mhz on all 3 competitors networks.
3G would only work on Vodafone and 2degrees network.

Next best would be PXS8 as this would support 3G on all 3 competitors networks as well.

New Zealand will soon be building a 700mhz LTE network of which there is no support on any of these modems.

Nice and simple is NZ.

Re: Compatible carriers
 

I've been trying to figure out which LTE modem I will need in Colombia but I'm quite confused by some of the information I've been reading.

There are several LTE operators here which as I understand it operate LTE on either AWS/Band 4 (1700MHz) or Band 7 (which most of the websites here report as 2500MHz but some report it as 2600MHz).

For those operators on 1700MHz, I would go for the PLS8-US modem which would be the safest option.

My confusion relates to Band 7. 2500MHz is not listed in the PLS8 data sheet however it does list Band 7 and 2600MHz for the PLS8-E modem. Would you expect the PLS8-E to work with these operators?

I would prefer to go for the PLS8-E modem (if compatible here) as it would also be the best choice for if/when I return to Europe. Band 7 is also the band offered by the operator that offers the best TV package here (for football) which would be appealing should I at some stage want to go for a quadruple play (convergence of services) solution.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Re: Compatible carriers
 

band 7 is:
1)

"band 7" is a clear spec which should guarantee compatibility.
Generally 3GPP clearly specified the bands, while frequencies are just a quite arbitrarily picked fuzzy attribute of the used band (compare: band1 which is called "2100" by DL, vs band4 called "1700" by UL). Please always check what band your provider supports and find the associated uplink/downlink frequencies in the URL in footnote of this post (for plausibility check), and check http://m2m.gemalto.com/tl_files/cint...t_PLS8_web.pdf which bands the US and EU variants of PLS8 support.

HTH
/j

1) http://www.lte-anbieter.info/ratgebe...uenzen-lte.php
+) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-UTRA...nel_bandwidths

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Thanks Jörg. Having done some more investigation, it seems that if I also want GSM in Colombia I'll need to go for the PLS8-US.

I'm not sure how many people this will be useful to but here is a breakdown of PLS8 modem/operator support in Colombia. I've tried to figure it out as best as I can but official information on some of them is scarce so don't blame me if I've made a mistake.

Notes:

Une operates on the Tigo network for 2G and 3G.
ETB, Uff! and Móvil Éxito operate on the Tigo network for 2G, 3G and 4G.
Virgin Mobile operates on the Movistar network for 2G and 3G.
DirecTV offers LTE only for the home which means no 2G or 3G and no voice at all until the roll-out of VoLTE (which is held back globally due to lack of QoS guarantee).
Although Tigo and Une have merged, it's unclear whether they have unified LTE services to support both bands. Tigo will or have already relinquished the 50MHz block of spectrum in the 2500MHz band.

PLS8-E

Claro: GSM No, UMTS Yes, LTE Yes
Movistar: GSM No, UMTS Yes, LTE No
Tigo: GSM No, UMTS No, LTE No
Une: GSM No, UMTS No, LTE Yes
ETB: GSM No, UMTS No, LTE No
DirecTV: GSM No, UMTS No, LTE Yes
Avantel: GSM No, UMTS ???, LTE No
Virgin Mobile: GSM No, UMTS Yes, LTE No
Uff!: GSM No, UMTS No, LTE No
Móvil Éxito: GSM No, UMTS No, LTE No

PLS8-US

Claro: GSM Yes, UMTS Yes, LTE No
Movistar: GSM Yes, UMTS Yes, LTE Yes
Tigo: GSM Yes, UMTS Yes, LTE Yes
Une: GSM Yes, UMTS Yes, LTE No
ETB: GSM Yes, UMTS Yes, LTE Yes
DirecTV: GSM No, UMTS No, LTE No
Avantel: GSM Yes, UMTS ???, LTE Yes
Virgin Mobile: GSM Yes, UMTS Yes, LTE No
Uff!: GSM Yes, UMTS Yes, LTE Yes
Móvil Éxito: GSM Yes, UMTS Yes, LTE Yes

Official sources:
http://www.claro.com.co/wps/portal/c...s/movil/4g-lte
http://descubre.movistar.co/4GLTE/que_es.html
https://compras.tigo.com.co/promo_4g
https://www.avantel.co/cobertura/4g-lte.html
http://www.uffmovil.com/cobertura
https://www.virginmobile.co/web/virg...cios/cobertura

Third-party sources (some have conflicting information):
http://www.worldtimezone.com/4g.html
http://www.nemesisla.com/descargas/f...as_moviles.pdf
https://www.samsung.com/co/pdf/LTE.pdf
http://www.4gamericas.org/files/9714...ina_4.1.15.pdf
http://www.4gltemall.com/blog/4g-lte...m-in-colombia/
http://www.telecompaper.com/news/etb...ombia--1041633
http://www.lte-tdd.org/news/ind/2014-10-08/4558.html
http://www.gsmarena.com/network-band...untry=COLOMBIA
http://wiki.apnchanger.org/Colombia
http://www.budde.com.au/Research/Col...-Analysis.html
http://www.virgin.com/news/virgin-mo...-colombia-2012
http://www.lte-tdd.org/news/ind/2015-05-05/6187.html
https://www.telegeography.com/produc...m-post-merger/

Re: Compatible carriers
 

I just got a surprisingly detailed reply from Skinny:

Re: Compatible carriers
 

Yeah man the PXS8 I think is the way to go ...
why get the PHS8-P/J/K ? When you can have it's freq. range and the cdma range of the PXS8?
you can hedge your bets better with the PXS8
that way...you go out into the boonies... you got reception.
Prob. is the boys aren't sure they can get it ..yet.
If I knew my neo could have the PXS8 ...
I'd want it over anything else..
alot of the planet isn't 3g or 4g.
.it's old fashioned cdma ...which happens to have it's own perks...security being better for one.
As it stands.. if they can't get it ..I'm not interested in the alternatives at this time.

Actually I have been mulling it for some time..
personally I'm thinking of putting a caveat in my order...(since I don't want a modem module if they can't source the PXS8)...

Re: Compatible carriers
 

I have to disagree, PLS8-E is the way to go.
Just made my order this morning :D

who needs a freaking cdma range?
I'm pretty sure they'll scrap that system sooner or later anyway! :p

Re: Compatible carriers
 

You just wait until you get stuck in a "Cabin-in-the-Woods" sequel and you'll be wishin' for the cdma range ...
:D

Re: Compatible carriers
 

I would/will be undecided between those two options!
PXS would give full worldwide coverage. And I believe we will see cdma and gsm for at least one (possibly two?) decades.
On the other hand LTE is the future (but what I see here in Germany about umts coverage I get a lot of time only 2g, even in the city).
So what, do you want the Neo as up-to-date crazy-fast-dataspeed smart phone? Or as an overall driver?

Re: Neo900 - finally a successor of N900
 

Is the only difference between UMTS plus CDMA2000 and UMTS "worldwide" the CDMA2000 functionallity. So the UMTS plus CDMA2000 version would also work in Europe?

I live in Germany and I am quite unsure if I want LTE or roaming everywhere. Any suggestions?

best regards
Mith

Re: Neo900 - finally a successor of N900
 

Yes. And the PXS8 module is probably a few bucks more expensive than the PHS8.

/j

Re: Neo900 - finally a successor of N900
 

I think many of us are trying to make that decision. It probably depends on your use case. If you never leave your home region, then the LTE option makes the most sense. If you embark on intercontinental travel with some frequency, then it is a more difficult choice.

In my case, it is an even tougher decision. Under most circumstances, I would have chosen the pentaband UMTS option, without LTE, since 3G speeds have always been good enough for me and I do a fair amount of global travel where the ability to roam on 3G would be useful.

Unfortunately, I live in the US with its patchwork of used frequencies. As a T-mobile US customer, the required 3G/4G band could be 700, 1700/2100, or 1900, (bands 12, 4, 2 [Joerg_rw]) depending on the area of the country I happen to be in. As such, I may have to elect the US LTE option (matching bands: 4, 2 [Joerg_rw]) just to guarantee network compatibility. I suppose I can get a GSM travel hotspot if I do want to use 2100 3G data in the event I do travel outside the Americas.