Using AT&T service on Sprint T217S models without MSL code? - Galaxy Tab 3 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I've been reading through forum posts for literally 3 days at the office, and I'm so far no further along than I started. I'm the IT Director for a firm in Texas and we have about a dozen T217S Sprint units that were from a pawn shop. We use AT&T for data. I've tried quite a few times to get MSL codes from Sprint in various ways and these days, unless you are the account owner - they won't give it up. I would imagine most of these tablets had bills owed on them so I can't say I blame them - but there should be an out for a situation like this.
Long story short, replacing the sim card with an AT&T issued card obviously yields the invalid sim message.
I've already tried flashing a factory AT&T ROM for the T217A using Odin but it just locks up once the AT&T logo spins a few times. I restored back to the factory Sprint ROM via a backup. I also just paid one of these websites for the code, and I'm waiting to hear back on that one.
Without the MSL, is there any way to unlock or flash these units to get them on our AT&T service?
Any info is appreciated.

Its seems like if you are running 4.2.2 this tool should work for getting the tablets unlocked.

Isnt ATT a GSM provider?, those sprint tablets are CDMA, they use the sim only for owner verification for the 4G network, they have to be flashed thru DFS, they do not have GSM radios.
SPRINT TABLETS: CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, LTE
ATT TABLETS: Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900 GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Unless ATT has CDMA those tablets will never work on that carrier.

Victor.Moran1 said:
Isnt ATT a GSM provider?, those sprint tablets are CDMA, they use the sim only for owner verification for the 4G network, they have to be flashed thru DFS, they do not have GSM radios.
SPRINT TABLETS: CDMA2000 1xEV-DO CDMA2000 EV-DO Rev A, LTE
ATT TABLETS: Quad-Band 850/900/1800/1900 GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, LTE
Unless ATT has CDMA those tablets will never work on that carrier.
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Well that's interesting. I would have expected our AT&T rep at the store to know that... smh To be honest, I had seen the LTE designation on both AT&T and Sprint models so I assumed it would default to that. This is obviously my first stab at anything tablet related so I'm glad I posted here before wasting any more time. I'll have to see if AT&T supports CDMA but from what I'm reading I don't think they do. Thanks for pointing me straight.

corbryant said:
Well that's interesting. I would have expected our AT&T rep at the store to know that... smh To be honest, I had seen the LTE designation on both AT&T and Sprint models so I assumed it would default to that. This is obviously my first stab at anything tablet related so I'm glad I posted here before wasting any more time. I'll have to see if AT&T supports CDMA but from what I'm reading I don't think they do. Thanks for pointing me straight.
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Click to collapse
Its no problem, glad to help.
And yes, both have LTE designation but implement it on different technologies, i like CDMA better, fast consistent speeds even with 1 bar signal, whereas GSM greatly depends on the connected users and is greatly impacted by the antenna location.
ATT rep must have been confused also by the sprints sim slot, just tell him that samsung left it there for shíts n giggles.
Have a great day.

Related

Telus TP2 Radio(s)

Exactly what cellular radios does this phone [Telus TP2] have?
My carrier [Telus] has recently completed their 3G overlay, and I'm still showing "EV".
Should I be talking to them about fixing this, or...?
It was (is?) my understanding that this phone was fully 3G capable.
Can someone help me with this?
As far as I can tell, my phone should support the Telus overlay of HSPA on their CDMA network, however I'm showing "EV" an my network type on the notification bar.
I visited a Telus store, and talked to a rep, who just babbled to me about how my SIM was "registered" as a CDMA phone, and therefore I couldn't use HSPA.
>_>
Thoughts?
EDIT: The rep also fed me this convoluted bullsh*t about how when I'm roaming, I'll be able to be on HSPA networks, so I'll get better bandwidth roaming than on my home network...
Wow no one knows the answer to this?
I've searched, and there's no answer, per se, just descriptions of Telus' technology and the antennae in the TP2, which seems to indicate that the TP2 should be able to get on the Telus HSPA network...
I have a SIM-unlocked Telus Touch Pro2 I bought off Craigslist, figuring it'd be good to go when the HSPA network rolled out (Only four months later!). As I understand it, the telus model can make and receive calls on quad-band GSM frequencies, but only use EDGE speeds for data. Has to do with the firmware for the chipset inside the phone. The only HSPA 3G band the phone can use is 2100 Mhz, which is the bad used in Europe, not Canada. It's a major piss-off, especially when a month ago the stores made this out to be the top-of-the-line phone, perfect for ever and ever.
It would seem that should Telus decide to plug in some firmware upgrades, they could activate the new 3G bands, but why bother? We've already signed away our souls to the company.
Who knows, maybe they'll fix it when they release Windows 6.5 for our rig. Because that's on the top of the to-do list, right?
Well there are new radios that we could flash...would that change anything?
Now I may be misinformed but I think that the Telus version is a CMDA phone with GSM capabilites on some frequencies. I do not think it will work on HSPA in Canada as they use different frequencies (850 and 1900). This is why so many people were waiting for the ATT version to come out as it uses those frequencies.
Remember GSM does not equal 3G.
What I would like to know is whether the distinction between 3G and GSM is on the hardware side, firmware side, or software side. Telus would have you assume it's all the hardware's fault, but I'm not sure on that one.
From everything I have read its the chip in the phone that isnt programmed/capable of doing the frequencies required. It may actually be a second chip but I cant confirm that. Other posts have stated that there wont be a software fix to "unlock the frequencies" needed.
GSM is a cellular line and 3G is a data connection.
I just purchased an At&t Tilt 2 unlocked for use on Telus 3G+ network. The Telus Touch Pro 2 is a CDMA , Quadband GSRM and UMTS/HSDPA 2100. The Telus TP2 will only work with EVDO data on the Telus network. If you unlock it for use with Rogers it will work on GSRM with Edge data. That is why I have ordered the At&t Tilt 2. Unfortunately Telus won't honour my unlimited data plan and say it is only for EVDO and that I have to change to one of their current plans to have HSDPA. Like all of the networks, they get your money one way or the other. I'm pleased that with the Tilt 2 I am free to switch providers here in Canada and still get 3G as well as when I travel in Europe.

Galaxy nexus and AT&T?

If we buy the Verizon version, unlocked, will it work on AT&T? Is this going to be an option, or just importing it from uk etc?
Could of swore i read somewhere that att's lte will work on a slightly different mhz that it won't be compatible with verizon's lte, someone correct me if im wrong.
ekerbuddyeker said:
If we buy the Verizon version, unlocked, will it work on AT&T? Is this going to be an option, or just importing it from uk etc?
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peachpuff said:
Could of swore i read somewhere that att's lte will work on a slightly different mhz that it won't be compatible with verizon's lte, someone correct me if im wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The "AT&T" one, which at the moment is the same as the "world" version will NOT work on VZW.
As of now there are 2 models of the Galaxy Nexus: 1) CDMA/LTE (for Verizon in the USA) and 2) GSM/HSPA+ (for the rest of the world, yes including AT&T and T-mo in the USA).
As of now, there are no GSM/LTE versions (I'm assuming this is what you're looking for on AT&T). If you use the GN on AT&T, it will have HSPA+, but not LTE. And no, the VZW version will not be able to be unlocked and used with an AT&T LTE SIM card, because AT&T is only operating data on LTE, and you'd get no voice/text (assuming you somehow got the device unlocked to accept the SIM in the first place).
Unless Samsung/Google have some kinda curveball lined up to announce a 3rd model with GSM/LTE for AT&T, that will come in the future. As of now we're not aware of this model.
martonikaj said:
And no, the VZW version will not be able to be unlocked and used with an AT&T LTE SIM card, because AT&T is only operating data on LTE, and you'd get no voice/text (assuming you somehow got the device unlocked to accept the SIM in the first place).
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You are correct in saying the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will not work with an AT&T SIM. However, the reason you provided is incorrect. Currently, both AT&T and Verizon operate data only LTE networks. Neither provide LTE voice (Voice Over LTE aka VoLTE) but both plan to (Verizon in 2012 and AT&T in 2013). Whether or not the Galaxy Nexus can take advantage of VoLTE is another open question but it will be able to use CDMA voice either way.
The real reason your Galaxy Nexus will not work on the AT&T network is the LTE frequency bands are different as well as the obvious 2G and 3G CDMA/GSM incompatibilities. A Verizon Galaxy Nexus with the an AT&T SIM (assuming you can unlock the device) will never be able to find the AT&T network. Hopefully, future devices will offer software programmable radios that can be unlocked to interoperate on multiple bands. There are plans for some 43 LTE bands worldwide!!!
So I'm guessing that by the same token in Canada, if your with bell, getting the LTE version is pointless?
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
ianwood said:
You are correct in saying the Verizon Galaxy Nexus will not work with an AT&T SIM. However, the reason you provided is incorrect. Currently, both AT&T and Verizon operate data only LTE networks. Neither provide LTE voice (Voice Over LTE aka VoLTE) but both plan to (Verizon in 2012 and AT&T in 2013). Whether or not the Galaxy Nexus can take advantage of VoLTE is another open question but it will be able to use CDMA voice either way.
The real reason your Galaxy Nexus will not work on the AT&T network is the LTE frequency bands are different as well as the obvious 2G and 3G CDMA/GSM incompatibilities. A Verizon Galaxy Nexus with the an AT&T SIM (assuming you can unlock the device) will never be able to find the AT&T network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for a little more information, but I said just as much. Even if you somehow got it unlocked to accept a different LTE SIM card (don't think it'd ever happen), there are several reasons why the phone wouldn't work. Even if they did have the same LTE frequencies exactly (or you hacked it on), he wouldn't get any GSM functionality out of the VZW device.
Basically what I was trying to express is that the other things could theoretically be overcome with software/firmware hacks (VZW and ATT will operate in the same spectrum, just slightly different frequencies), whereas you can't ever overcome the fact that the CDMA does you no good on the AT&T network.
Overall I think the point has been made regardless...
dont forget sprint and other cdma carriers in US

[Q] HELP-N7105(LTE) not getting 3G at all with T-Mobile!!!

Hey guys! I brought my international GT-N7105 Note II LTE model from Asia and bought that unlimited cheap 30 dollar plan. I checked the towers and my area does have those refarmed 1900MHz towers from their twitter. Anyhow, first i just thought it was my house and I have drove from pasadena-los angeles - Irvine - Orange County and have yet to see ANY 3G/H/H+ signals! Always stuck on the E (2G). First I thought it was the SIM problem so I put that SIM to an iPHONE4 and guess what?! There is the T-Mobile 3G right on that upper left hand corner and speeds are decent. Anywhere from 1.5mbps-6mbps. I'm sure it can go higher but looking at that dinky screen is already enough for my eyes! Is there some specific settings I should be doing? Somehow it's NOT locking to the 3G towers from my N7105. I am planning to get Straight Talk's 45 dollar deal at Walmart and choose the ATT since it's got better coverage from what I hear. Thanks for the help in advance and Happy Holidays everybody!!!
I don't think the 7105 has 1900 band, I have 7100 and I get 3G coverage.
5800xm_user said:
I don't think the 7105 has 1900 band, I have 7100 and I get 3G coverage.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply but according to this: http://www.smartone.com/jsp/phone/english/detail_v12.jsp?id=2553
It should have 1900MHz just like the N7100 except there's LTE which won't work. There's absolutely no excuse for it NOT to have 3G! This stinks and is frustrating!
I see that it has 1900 band but under GSM, when looking at 3G bands it has HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - N7105 vs N7100 having HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
Dont know if it makes any difference but thats why I steered away from the LTE version.
Try this go into service mode: *#197328640# Debug screen Phone Control Network Control & Band Selection. Check if you can enable or see if you have the 1900 band under WCDMA. Might have to go under Combi Bands and select the desired bands.
Just flowing up if it worked out for u or not?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Bumping this since the op didn't respond. I am having the same trouble and I attempted the fix you provided and found that my N7105 lacks the "combi bands"
I mistakenly purchased this phone for pre-paid here in America (should have gotten the n7100) and it seems that Straight Talk doesn't have AT&T cards anymore and I'm stuck on T-Mobile's EDGE service
I have the verizon model and use it with tmobile
So the last two weeks have been the most frustratying and nerve racking weeks ever as I have tried to get tmobile service to work well with the verizon model i have. And although I am definately still irritated, i have to say that I do get 3G and HSDPA on mine, just not anywhere near my house. This has driven me crazy and until today I assumed it was my phone and the lack of certain bands howev er after purchasing a Tmobile 4G hotspot and activating it on a new 300mb plan just to see how well it works, I have found that it was never my phone that sucked at my hopuse, its Tmobiles service that sucks!. BUT... to get the best consistant coverage with the Tmobile sim in my Verizon model I did have to experiment with the APNs quite a bit, and I also upgraded the modem to the newest one released . For anyone tryinbg to do thius with the verizon model, make sure your APN for T-Mobile US or T-Mobile Data (I personally have started using it as T-Mobile Data) has "None" typed in for the username and for APN if your using LTE device type in "fast.tmobile.com" instead of the epc.tmobile...... or whatever it is. Does anyone know if flashing a modem or radio or even just the rom from the tmobile section would help at all? Or would it just **** up the phone..
Despite not getting 3g (since I lack the appropriate physical antenna apparently) I get way better cover with T-Mobile (through Straight Talk) I have to say compared to Verizon. Maybe my Note 2 is much better than my old Thunderbolt or maybe T-Mobile is just a bit better. Nevertheless every building at my university is made of reinforced concrete so you'd be hard pressed to get any reception in the classrooms. I find in places I had no service I have service, and places I had some service I have great service now.
Back on topic though:
I can get the 1900mhz through GSM but that isn't the same and my phone lacks whatever that Combi Bands thing is. So I don't know if it is a lost cause or not. I just figured I'd bring this back up since the OP never responded and I am in the same boat as they are (were?). Maybe a solution can be found or just "it ain't gonna work."
Just following up I have returned my N7105 in favor of a N7100 and get great H+ and 3G through T-Mobile/Straight Talk.
moff3tt said:
Bumping this since the op didn't respond. I am having the same trouble and I attempted the fix you provided and found that my N7105 lacks the "combi bands"
I mistakenly purchased this phone for pre-paid here in America (should have gotten the n7100) and it seems that Straight Talk doesn't have AT&T cards anymore and I'm stuck on T-Mobile's EDGE service
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fwiw, net10 is basically the same as straight talk. When you buy the $15 simcard pack from bestbuy for net10, it comes with 3 different sim cards in it. One of them is a micro sim that fits in the note2 and runs on at&t's network.
gianptune said:
Fwiw, net10 is basically the same as straight talk. When you buy the $15 simcard pack from bestbuy for net10, it comes with 3 different sim cards in it. One of them is a micro sim that fits in the note2 and runs on at&t's network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What max speed will be get in using Net10 on ATT sim? anyone checked?
karthikshanth said:
What max speed will be get in using Net10 on ATT sim? anyone checked?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i got 7mbps on net10 with n7105.
hi brothers i have SG note2 GT-I7105T LTE and it work only on 2G Band when i switch to 3G(WCDMA) mode or LTE it show "Emergency Call" but when switch to 2G(GSM) it work fine so what can i do ? and please developers explain me this problem and how to solve i try Z3X Box but it not support this variant
please help me and thanx in advance

Can this phone be used on other carriers?

Hi, I am sorry if this has been asked already. I am wondering whether a Sprint Samsung S6 Edge PLUS can be unlocked(Via Sprint, not third party) to work on other networks? I am currently on Verizon and am considering buying my friend's S6 Edge plus because he gave me a good deal. Thanks for your time.
Sprint would unlock it . Its happened to a few people i know who purchased it outright . Call sprint and ask for the device to be unlocked domestically
USA Prepaid?
Can this be done to use a Sprint S6 on a USA prepaid carrier?
What if phone is brand new and never activated on sprint network?
It'll work in the USA but no lte support as of yet for sprint unlocked to gsm
Yes and No, the G925P is a Sprint phone meaning its a CDMA Phone, Verizon uses the same technology on their network, CDMA phones have to be reprogrammed to work on another carrier using a CDMA Network. But this phone is a dual GSM/CDMA Phone, meaning since GSM phones use a SIM Card so you can if Sprint Unlocks the phone because you own it outright you can go to another GSM carrier and some or all the features might work, this phone is different than the G925F international GSM phone which will work almost anywhere in the world as long as its connecting to a GSM Network. All you do then is just change the SIM card and your connected to that carrier. If you want to be on Verizon its best to just get a G925V from them because its already programmed for Verizon rather than trying to make this Sprint Phone work on their CDMA Network. It can be done but to reprogram the damn thing is not that easy and very time consuming for a newbie to tackle. Sell it, get a Verizon phone if you like it that much. or switch to Sprint.
here is an easy way to look at this, LTE is built on GSM hence why the new sprint/verizon LTE phones have SIM cards, you can try to switch to AT+T or T-Mobile but you may loose 2g-3g connectivity, maybe, maybe not all depends on the phone variant, so lets look at Verizon
Verizon -
CDMA/LTE
uses 700 MHZ (band 13) and 1700 MHZ (band 4)
Sprint-
CDMA/LTE
uses 800 MHZ and 1900 MHZ (band 26 and 25)
and 2.5 GHZ for Sprint Spark (band 41)
so you see they operate on different bands, I noticed not all S6's have the same bands either, depends on the carrier and these phones are made for them to be different, so to find a phone that has all of these bands would work in theory on any network but with CDMA they have electronic serial numbers embedded in the device and you will have to reprogram the radio/chip in order to work on another carrier. So to answer can I use a sprint phone on verizon would be a simple NO.

Why so hard to use with verizon?

I've tried reading a lot on multiple sites for a while now and see people saying you can put it on Verizon and other saying you can't. I've got the phone rooted and it's working on T-Mobile but I really want to put it on Verizon even if it loses some functionality maybe. Do I just need to flash s7 firmware now?
Verizon doesn't really use the same frequencies as they are a CDMA network and ATT/TMob is GSM.
themaxx69 said:
I've tried reading a lot on multiple sites for a while now and see people saying you can put it on Verizon and other saying you can't. I've got the phone rooted and it's working on T-Mobile but I really want to put it on Verizon even if it loses some functionality maybe. Do I just need to flash s7 firmware now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This device is an AT&T exclusive so it was built to function on AT&T's bands and services. The phone, when unlocked is easy to use on T-Mobile, or any of AT&T or T-Mobile's MVNO's such as Cricket or Metro as both use the same 3G tech, T-Mobile uses the 2G tech AT&T used to use and both use bands 2,4 and 12 on 4G LTE. However, Verizon uses entirely different 2G and 3G technology based on CDMA compared with AT&T/T-Mobile's GSM. Verizon does use bands 2 and 4 on 4G LTE so this phone may, in theory, be able to connect to Verizon 4G LTE on those two bands. However much of Verizon's LTE service is on a low-frequency band numbered 13 that is not accessible by Galaxy S7 Active. I don't think Verizon will permit this phone to register on the network even on Bands 2 and 4.

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