Develop Bugs

T-Mobile 3 x carrier aggregation

Has anyone ever seen 3 way carrier aggregation while using T-Mobile with Pixel XL or Pixel? I called T-Mobile support and they do not have an answer to whether or not it will utilize 3x aggregation. I personally have not seen it myself and I'm in an area where it is enabled. Network signal guru only shows 2x aggregation on my phone. Thanks to those who may know if 3x may be utilized with T-Mobile or possibly in the future

treIII said:
Has anyone ever seen 3 way carrier aggregation while using T-Mobile with Pixel XL or Pixel? I called T-Mobile support and they do not have an answer to whether or not it will utilize 3x aggregation. I personally have not seen it myself and I'm in an area where it is enabled. Network signal ru only shows 2x aggregation on my phone. Thanks to those who may know if 3x may be utilized with T-Mobile or possibly in the future
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I think that it supports 256 QAM but not 4x4 MIMO. I think I read that the SD 821 is capable of 4x4 but I think it's missing other hardware like an amplifier or something. Im no expert but I try to read up on the tech and understand it. The other thing is that the pixel needs to be updated to activate 256 qam

treIII said:
Has anyone ever seen 3 way carrier aggregation while using T-Mobile with Pixel XL or Pixel? I called T-Mobile support and they do not have an answer to whether or not it will utilize 3x aggregation. I personally have not seen it myself and I'm in an area where it is enabled. Network signal guru only shows 2x aggregation on my phone. Thanks to those who may know if 3x may be utilized with T-Mobile or possibly in the future
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I'm not mistaken only the T-Mobile variant of the LG V20 supports this at the moment.

treIII said:
Has anyone ever seen 3 way carrier aggregation while using T-Mobile with Pixel XL or Pixel? I called T-Mobile support and they do not have an answer to whether or not it will utilize 3x aggregation. I personally have not seen it myself and I'm in an area where it is enabled. Network signal guru only shows 2x aggregation on my phone. Thanks to those who may know if 3x may be utilized with T-Mobile or possibly in the future
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain how you're getting "Network Signal Guru" to show you current CA status? I've downloaded the app and I see no information on current aggregation status.
To my knowledge, There is no way of seeing active CA status on the Pixel XL. Or any phone for that matter outside of the known samsung field test app.
Using a Pixel XL on T-Mobile I've achieved a max download of about 114Mb/s. Which I suspect is only 2x aggregation.
I've achieved 147Mb/s on VZW with 2x Aggregation (I'm guessing 2x due to my Nexus 6p getting the same speeds. Which only supports 2x CA).

NickOlsen8390 said:
Can you explain how you're getting "Network Signal Guru" to show you current CA status? I've downloaded the app and I see no information on current aggregation status.
To my knowledge, There is no way of seeing active CA status on the Pixel XL. Or any phone for that matter outside of the known samsung field test app.
Using a Pixel XL on T-Mobile I've achieved a max download of about 114Mb/s. Which I suspect is only 2x aggregation.
I've achieved 147Mb/s on VZW with 2x Aggregation (I'm guessing 2x due to my Nexus 6p getting the same speeds. Which only supports 2x CA).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Scroll to the right

treIII said:
Scroll to the right
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Rooted?
If you give it root access, It's a completely different app. Awesome stuff with root.
N6P with Root
http://cdn.141networks.com/images/NSG-N6P.jpg
Pixel XL without Root
http://cdn.141networks.com/images/NSG-PXL.png

So since you guys turned me on to the Network Signal Guru app I did some testing.
I'm convinced the NSG app can't display Carrier Aggregation if it's on the same band. IE 2x CA 4+4 or 3x CA 4+4+12.
With my TMO sim in my Pixel XL, I got speedtests in excess of 100Mb/s. When those tests were ran, The most the app ever reported was 2x CA, Band 4 + Band 12.
The reason I'm convinced it doesn't display CA when it's on two band 4 channels is I ran speed tests >80Mb/s when it claimed I had one 20Mhz Band 4 channel. Which is a FAR reach for a single 20Mhz channel. With this being said. If you're ripping 100+ Mb/s speedtests, And it's showing 2x CA B4+B12, I'd suspect it's acutally 3x CA of B4+B4+B12. And the app just isn't reporting it correctly. Perhaps someone can post an NSG screenshot of it showing 2x B4 channels to prove me wrong.
Here's a screenshot of 1 B4/20Mhz carrier doing 73Mb/s
http://cdn.141networks.com/images/PXL-TMO.png
I'll further comment to say that while the Pixel XL claims it'll support 256QAM, I never saw anything past 64QAM. So it's either not supported. Or not live in my area (Central Florida). We're all aware 4x4 MIMO is also not supported by the PXL.
While I was out and about. I also ran some testing with my primary SIM (Verizon Wireless).
Screenshot of ~109Mb/s on 3CA Band 2 (5Mhz) + Band 4 (20Mhz) + Band 13 (10Mhz) for a total channel width of 35Mhz
http://cdn.141networks.com/images/PXL-3CA.png
And finally, The local tower that always gives me dumb speed test results. I always assumed it was 3x CA. It reports 2x (B4+B13). Meaning this serving cell is either super unloaded, Or once again, I'm not seeing a 2nd descrete B4 carrier. And it's actually doing 3x CA.
Screenshot of 2x CA doing ~140Mb/s
http://cdn.141networks.com/images/PXL-2CA.png

NickOlsen8390 said:
So since you guys turned me on to the Network Signal Guru app I did some testing.
I'm convinced the NSG app can't display Carrier Aggregation if it's on the same band. IE 2x CA 4+4 or 3x CA 4+4+12.
With my TMO sim in my Pixel XL, I got speedtests in excess of 100Mb/s. When those tests were ran, The most the app ever reported was 2x CA, Band 4 + Band 12.
The reason I'm convinced it doesn't display CA when it's on two band 4 channels is I ran speed tests >80Mb/s when it claimed I had one 20Mhz Band 4 channel. Which is a FAR reach for a single 20Mhz channel. With this being said. If you're ripping 100+ Mb/s speedtests, And it's showing 2x CA B4+B12, I'd suspect it's acutally 3x CA of B4+B4+B12. And the app just isn't reporting it correctly. Perhaps someone can post an NSG screenshot of it showing 2x B4 channels to prove me wrong.
Here's a screenshot of 1 B4/20Mhz carrier doing 73Mb/s
http://cdn.141networks.com/images/PXL-TMO.png
I'll further comment to say that while the Pixel XL claims it'll support 256QAM, I never saw anything past 64QAM. So it's either not supported. Or not live in my area (Central Florida). We're all aware 4x4 MIMO is also not supported by the PXL.
While I was out and about. I also ran some testing with my primary SIM (Verizon Wireless).
Screenshot of ~109Mb/s on 3CA Band 2 (5Mhz) + Band 4 (20Mhz) + Band 13 (10Mhz) for a total channel width of 35Mhz
http://cdn.141networks.com/images/PXL-3CA.png
And finally, The local tower that always gives me dumb speed test results. I always assumed it was 3x CA. It reports 2x (B4+B13). Meaning this serving cell is either super unloaded, Or once again, I'm not seeing a 2nd descrete B4 carrier. And it's actually doing 3x CA.
Screenshot of 2x CA doing ~140Mb/s
http://cdn.141networks.com/images/PXL-2CA.png
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
256 QAM went live nationwide in October. According to Tmo the only devices that can utilize it is the gs 7 and gs7 edge. We know the pixel can do it the problem is we need for it to be able to access it on T-Mobiles network. I'm also central Florida

Smallsmx3 said:
256 QAM went live nationwide in October. According to Tmo the only devices that can utilize it is the gs 7 and gs7 edge. We know the pixel can do it the problem is we need for it to be able to access it on T-Mobiles network. I'm also central Florida
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting! I bet they're doing something IMEI based identification of the S7 / S7E that allows it to run a different IMS barer that will run at up to 256QAM. I also suspect this is downlink path only. As in my testing, I never topped 16QAM on uplink (Both TMO and VZW).
I wonder if they have a different APN. Anyone have an S7/S7E that can confirm they have the normal fast.tmo APN?

NickOlsen8390 said:
Interesting! I bet they're doing something IMEI based identification of the S7 / S7E that allows it to run a different IMS barer that will run at up to 256QAM. I also suspect this is downlink path only. As in my testing, I never topped 16QAM on uplink (Both TMO and VZW).
I wonder if they have a different APN. Anyone have an S7/S7E that can confirm they have the normal fast.tmo APN?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
According to the article I read support for those devices were coming via software update. And it's only download. Upload was 64 QAM. I'll see if I can find the article.
---------- Post added at 04:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:18 PM ----------
Here https://www.wirelessweek.com/news/2016/09/t-mobile-touts-launch-4x4-mimo-256-qam

NickOlsen8390 said:
Interesting! I bet they're doing something IMEI based identification of the S7 / S7E that allows it to run a different IMS barer that will run at up to 256QAM. I also suspect this is downlink path only. As in my testing, I never topped 16QAM on uplink (Both TMO and VZW).
I wonder if they have a different APN. Anyone have an S7/S7E that can confirm they have the normal fast.tmo APN?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just contacted Google about this. They said this was coming with the next update. So if we're getting 7.1.1 in a couple days I guess we'll find out

Smallsmx3 said:
I just contacted Google about this. They said this was coming with the next update. So if we're getting 7.1.1 in a couple days I guess we'll find out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also called them and they said to me that it was all depended on T-Mobile. So it's strange that they would give to others who have called a different answer.

treIII said:
I also called them and they said to me that it was all depended on T-Mobile. So it's strange that they would give to others who have called a different answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is because your average rep has no idea what you're talking about. And their script doesn't have any resources to help them answer. You could call three times and get three different answers. Being that TMO pushed a software update to enable it on the S7/S7E, I would argue they would have to do the same to the pixel/pixel xl. Which probably means they would need a TMO specific build. And I just don't see that happening personally.

NickOlsen8390 said:
So since you guys turned me on to the Network Signal Guru app I did some testing.
I'm convinced the NSG app can't display Carrier Aggregation if it's on the same band. IE 2x CA 4+4 or 3x CA 4+4+12.
With my TMO sim in my Pixel XL, I got speedtests in excess of 100Mb/s. When those tests were ran, The most the app ever reported was 2x CA, Band 4 + Band 12.
The reason I'm convinced it doesn't display CA when it's on two band 4 channels is I ran speed tests >80Mb/s when it claimed I had one 20Mhz Band 4 channel. Which is a FAR reach for a single 20Mhz channel. With this being said. If you're ripping 100+ Mb/s speedtests, And it's showing 2x CA B4+B12, I'd suspect it's acutally 3x CA of B4+B4+B12. And the app just isn't reporting it correctly. Perhaps someone can post an NSG screenshot of it showing 2x B4 channels to prove me wrong.
Here's a screenshot of 1 B4/20Mhz carrier doing 73Mb/s
http://cdn.141networks.com/images/PXL-TMO.png
I'll further comment to say that while the Pixel XL claims it'll support 256QAM, I never saw anything past 64QAM. So it's either not supported. Or not live in my area (Central Florida). We're all aware 4x4 MIMO is also not supported by the PXL.
While I was out and about. I also ran some testing with my primary SIM (Verizon Wireless).
Screenshot of ~109Mb/s on 3CA Band 2 (5Mhz) + Band 4 (20Mhz) + Band 13 (10Mhz) for a total channel width of 35Mhz
http://cdn.141networks.com/images/PXL-3CA.png
And finally, The local tower that always gives me dumb speed test results. I always assumed it was 3x CA. It reports 2x (B4+B13). Meaning this serving cell is either super unloaded, Or once again, I'm not seeing a 2nd descrete B4 carrier. And it's actually doing 3x CA.
Screenshot of 2x CA doing ~140Mb/s
http://cdn.141networks.com/images/PXL-2CA.png
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey there, here is NSG on my Pixel showing 2xCA of B4+B4.
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I have a location in town that does B2+B4+B4 on a V20. My Pixel will not do 3xCA at that location, just 2xCA of B2+B4 or B4+B4. I will verify the V20 with NSG again when I get my hands on one. I only used the built-in engineering mode on the V20 at the time.

cstark27 said:
Hey there, here is NSG on my Pixel showing 2xCA of B4+B4.
I have a location in town that does B2+B4+B4 on a V20. My Pixel will not do 3xCA at that location, just 2xCA of B2+B4 or B4+B4. I will verify the V20 with NSG again when I get my hands on one. I only used the built-in engineering mode on the V20 at the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a feeling that 3x CA didn't work. Another feature of the phone that's not activated. I'm sure something needs to be updated by Google to access this on Tmos network. I'm having Volte issues on TMO with mine. T-Mobile support just tells me to disable it.
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

cstark27 said:
Hey there, here is NSG on my Pixel showing 2xCA of B4+B4.
I have a location in town that does B2+B4+B4 on a V20. My Pixel will not do 3xCA at that location, just 2xCA of B2+B4 or B4+B4. I will verify the V20 with NSG again when I get my hands on one. I only used the built-in engineering mode on the V20 at the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if this is what you're talking about. Pixel only supports 2x2 mimo.

Golf c said:
I wonder if this is what you're talking about. Pixel only supports 2x2 mimo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 2x2 MIMO listed there is in reference to the Wi-Fi capabilities of the phone. The Snapdragon 821 uses the Snapdragon X12 modem which, according to Qualcomm's site supports 3x20 MHz carrier aggregation, 256-QAM, and 4x4 MIMO on one carrier.

Alcolawl said:
The 2x2 MIMO listed there is in reference to the Wi-Fi capabilities of the phone. The Snapdragon 821 uses the Snapdragon X12 modem which, according to Qualcomm's site supports 3x20 MHz carrier aggregation, 256-QAM, and 4x4 MIMO on one carrier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What carrier does it support 4x4?
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

smallsmx301 said:
What carrier does it support 4x4?
Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't; While the phones x12 modem DOES support 4x4 MIMO and 256QAM, It lacks the hardware (Something about an amplifier and antenna array for 4x4 MIMO). 256QAM is only supported on one of the foreign carriers to my knowledge right now. But They claim it will be enabled on the phone for use with TMO in some future update.
---------- Post added at 01:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:22 PM ----------
cstark27 said:
Hey there, here is NSG on my Pixel showing 2xCA of B4+B4.
I have a location in town that does B2+B4+B4 on a V20. My Pixel will not do 3xCA at that location, just 2xCA of B2+B4 or B4+B4. I will verify the V20 with NSG again when I get my hands on one. I only used the built-in engineering mode on the V20 at the time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't know what happened to my first reply here. So sorry if this is a double post.
I did find that NSG shows 2xCA of the same channel (Found out with a Sprint SIM, B41+B41). And as in my post above. Apparently the Pixel has 3xCA issues with TMO and TMO only.

Golf c said:
I wonder if this is what you're talking about. Pixel only supports 2x2 mimo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll admit I'm not well versed in MIMO tech (and have seen the other reply about the Wifi spec), but I have seen others report their device does 3xCA on other carriers: Cricket , VZW/ATT
NickOlsen8390 said:
I did find a few days after posting this that it can show same channel CA. Did so with Sprint B41+B41.
It would appear that the Pixel is having 3XCA issues on TMO. There's a reddit thread about it right now actually https://www.reddit.com/r/tmobile/comments/5qul7p/3x_carrier_aggregation_on_pixel/
TMO Engineer stated that in the lab, With a TMO SIM in the phone. It doesn't report itself as being 3x capable to the serving cell.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, that's me (the OP of the Reddit thread) I also started a support thread on the product forums if anyone has any experience to lend to the discussion. https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!msg/phone-by-google/C04ACMHAYX8/mKs9CKAdDAAJ

AT&T problem

I'm wondering if anyone else is or has been experiencing this issue. For the last couple weeks my black Pixel 2XL 128gig on Android 8.0 is having a problem switching from LTE to HSPA when trying to make a phone call. I've been on the phone with both Google and AT&T numerous times. ATT deactivated and reactivated my sim card. I ended up getting a new sim card and still didn't fix the problem. Google eventually sent me a brand new phone and I'm still having the same problem. Now Google wants to send me another new phone. I had the original pixel XL on ATT and did not have this issue at all. Anyone else having a similar issue?

Uh... Yes, that's normal, you don't have VoLTE enabled. There's a whole thread about enabling it with AT&T here on the boards. TLR of that thread, download the Oreo 8.1 beta, enable VoLTE in the software, talk to AT&T to enable enhanced voice features.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

You may need a new sim card, I had similar issues, visited an AT&T store and it was fixed within five minutes.

dratsablive said:
You may need a new sim card, I had similar issues, visited an AT&T store and it was fixed within five minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did get a new SIM card. Still was experiencing the same problem. I updated to 8.1 beta to and enabled enhanced LTE to see if that fixes the issue.

JaredC01 said:
Uh... Yes, that's normal, you don't have VoLTE enabled. There's a whole thread about enabling it with AT&T here on the boards. TLR of that thread, download the Oreo 8.1 beta, enable VoLTE in the software, talk to AT&T to enable enhanced voice features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It definitely was not normal. I had a the first pixel XL before this and did not experience this issue.

dutchy716 said:
It definitely was not normal. I had a the first pixel XL before this and did not experience this issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Then somehow you had VoLTE on your first Pixel. Without VoLTE, the phone will 100% of the time kick back out to HSPA+ when you make a phone call. That's been the case with every phone I've owned prior to VoLTE and actually having a phone that had and made use of VoLTE.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

JaredC01 said:
Then somehow you had VoLTE on your first Pixel. Without VoLTE, the phone will 100% of the time kick back out to HSPA+ when you make a phone call. That's been the case with every phone I've owned prior to VoLTE and actually having a phone that had and made use of VoLTE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know it's supposed to kick back to HSPA when making a phone call. The problem is that it doesn't. Instead of going to HSPA I lose signal completely. The phone will try to make the phone call and then the phone will manually hang up like I hit the end call button but it does it automatically. Then I either have to toggle airplane mode or reboot the phone to get LTE again.

dutchy716 said:
I know it's supposed to kick back to HSPA when making a phone call. The problem is that it doesn't. Instead of going to HSPA I lose signal completely. The phone will try to make the phone call and then the phone will manually hang up like I hit the end call button but it does it automatically. Then I either have to toggle airplane mode or reboot the phone to get LTE again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ah ha, your original post didn't make it sound like that. In that case, maybe try a new SIM card?
Edit: Re-read the first post and you already tried a new SIM. Have you tried a SIM from someone else, maybe on another Network to see if it's the phone or the network?

JaredC01 said:
Ah ha, your original post didn't make it sound like that. In that case, maybe try a new SIM card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya I got a new SIM the other day. I talked to jcase about it and he believes it's a provisioning issue on AT&Ts end. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced this and if they found a solution to it. I did end up upgrading to 8.1 beta and that obviously fixed it because of enhanced calling. It's just weird because I haven't found anybody else who has had this problem.

dutchy716 said:
I'm wondering if anyone else is or has been experiencing this issue. For the last couple weeks my black Pixel 2XL 128gig on Android 8.0 is having a problem switching from LTE to HSPA when trying to make a phone call. I've been on the phone with both Google and AT&T numerous times. ATT deactivated and reactivated my sim card. I ended up getting a new sim card and still didn't fix the problem. Google eventually sent me a brand new phone and I'm still having the same problem. Now Google wants to send me another new phone. I had the original pixel XL on ATT and did not have this issue at all. Anyone else having a similar issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One thing you should always try before going to the provider is a safe mode boot. I tried a new rom and could not get data. Most things worked but no data. I could call and WIFI but no cellular data. In safe mode I got data. That tells you some third party APP is responsible.

JaredC01 said:
Then somehow you had VoLTE on your first Pixel. Without VoLTE, the phone will 100% of the time kick back out to HSPA+ when you make a phone call. That's been the case with every phone I've owned prior to VoLTE and actually having a phone that had and made use of VoLTE.
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does VoLTE have to do having LTE data while on a call? I don't see any reason why you couldn't have LTE available for data even when it doesn't support LTE for voice calls.
I've had LTE switch to H every time I've made a phone call on my Nexus 5, Nexus 5X and Pixel 2 XL. Since 8.1 I've had VoLTE. I know because when I make a call I see the "HD" which is VoLTE but the LTE still switches to H so it seems like the two are related.

jimv1983 said:
What does VoLTE have to do having LTE data while on a call?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uhm, everything? VoLTE is Voice over LTE which implies that you have an LTE radio connection (as opposed to a UMTS/WCDMA/HS*PA radio connection).
jimv1983 said:
I don't see any reason why you couldn't have LTE available for data even when it doesn't support LTE for voice calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's because you don't understand the fundamental way in which cellular networks work. Don't feel bad - you're not alone; it's a complicated topic.
The radio on your device can only support one type of radio connection at a time. There are a multitude of reasons for this: capacity on the chip, the need for multiple amplifiers to work simultaneously (because typically carriers use different parts of the radio spectrum for one Radio Access Type than another), antenna capacity etc. Keep in mind that are scenarios in which your device is already juggling quasi multiple radio connects, e.g. carrier aggregation.
Don't get me wrong, there have been devices that supported multiple simultaneous radio access technologies on a single device, but that's because they had multiple radios. These were older devices on IS-95 CDMA carriers such a Sprint when they were pushing WIMAX, and even I believe some Verizon devices which allowed them to do multi-RAB for simultaneous voice and calls before their CDMA infrastructure was upgraded to allow this (and prior to their VoLTE launch). These devices are few and far between.
One last point on this topic: the network handles handover between RATs (though it's possible for the device to only support one RAT). If you were allowed to have simultaneous connections to two radio access types, the network would be juggling twice the resources for your device (the transmit and receive portion of a data connection or call is not the only resource involved). This is yet another reason why in most circumstances you'll never see two simultaneous RATs for one device: it costs the network money. Unless you're trying to cover up for a deficiency is your network architecture (e.g. IS-95 CDMA networks lack of support for multi-RAB. Multi-RAB refers to radio access bearers, basically multiple virtual connections across a single radio link. You might think of this like VLANs on an ethernet network.) you don't put the network and engineering expenses to support multiple RATs..
jimv1983 said:
I've had LTE switch to H every time I've made a phone call on my Nexus 5, Nexus 5X and Pixel 2 XL. Since 8.1 I've had VoLTE. I know because when I make a call I see the "HD" which is VoLTE but the LTE still switches to H so it seems like the two are related.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, no. "HD" stands for "HD Voice" which is a better codec. Depending on the carrier, you may get HD voice on a 3G RAT and VoLTE RAT or just on a VoLTE RAT. Keep in mind that HD Voice uses more radio resource than the standard GSM codecs, so there's a trade-off involved here. LTE is more spectral efficient, so offering the higher quality, higher bit rate voice codec on VoLTE has less of an impact on the network than offering it on VoLTE + 3G. So depending on your carrier, they may or may not allow the HD codec on non-VoLTE radio connections. Either way, HD does not in any way shape or form constitute having a VoLTE connection, since it's radio access type independent.

RomPlinker said:
Uhm, everything? VoLTE is Voice over LTE which implies that you have an LTE radio connection (as opposed to a UMTS/WCDMA/HS*PA radio connection).
That's because you don't understand the fundamental way in which cellular networks work. Don't feel bad - you're not alone; it's a complicated topic.
The radio on your device can only support one type of radio connection at a time. There are a multitude of reasons for this: capacity on the chip, the need for multiple amplifiers to work simultaneously (because typically carriers use different parts of the radio spectrum for one Radio Access Type than another), antenna capacity etc. Keep in mind that are scenarios in which your device is already juggling quasi multiple radio connects, e.g. carrier aggregation.
Don't get me wrong, there have been devices that supported multiple simultaneous radio access technologies on a single device, but that's because they had multiple radios. These were older devices on IS-95 CDMA carriers such a Sprint when they were pushing WIMAX, and even I believe some Verizon devices which allowed them to do multi-RAB for simultaneous voice and calls before their CDMA infrastructure was upgraded to allow this (and prior to their VoLTE launch). These devices are few and far between.
One last point on this topic: the network handles handover between RATs (though it's possible for the device to only support one RAT). If you were allowed to have simultaneous connections to two radio access types, the network would be juggling twice the resources for your device (the transmit and receive portion of a data connection or call is not the only resource involved). This is yet another reason why in most circumstances you'll never see two simultaneous RATs for one device: it costs the network money. Unless you're trying to cover up for a deficiency is your network architecture (e.g. IS-95 CDMA networks lack of support for multi-RAB. Multi-RAB refers to radio access bearers, basically multiple virtual connections across a single radio link. You might think of this like VLANs on an ethernet network.) you don't put the network and engineering expenses to support multiple RATs..
Actually, no. "HD" stands for "HD Voice" which is a better codec. Depending on the carrier, you may get HD voice on a 3G RAT and VoLTE RAT or just on a VoLTE RAT. Keep in mind that HD Voice uses more radio resource than the standard GSM codecs, so there's a trade-off involved here. LTE is more spectral efficient, so offering the higher quality, higher bit rate voice codec on VoLTE has less of an impact on the network than offering it on VoLTE + 3G. So depending on your carrier, they may or may not allow the HD codec on non-VoLTE radio connections. Either way, HD does not in any way shape or form constitute having a VoLTE connection, since it's radio access type independent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My Pixel 2 XL does VoLTE on AT&T. "HD" might have different meanings in different cases but in this case the "HD" does mean VoLTE. Google specifically stated that in release notes for 8.1 on the Pixel 2 XL.
Also, back when I had a Galaxy S2 Skyrocket (AT&T's LTE variant of the Galaxy S2 and its first LTE phone) back in late 2011 it didn't do VoLTE but it did allow LTE data while a voice call was in progress.

Zenfone 5 Different Versions (LTE Support) and how to identify

Hi fellow's, I'm trying to find a way to identify which model of the Zenfone 5 supports LTE Band 20. I heard that there are 3 different versions, a/b/c, from which 2 support LTE Band 20. How can I identify the right model? Do the have different serial numbers or anything like that? Maybe one of you can share their package (or rather the back of it) or phone information.
Or is there an app to check which Bands are supported?
Thanks ins advance

dmax92 said:
Hi fellow's, I'm trying to find a way to identify which model of the Zenfone 5 supports LTE Band 20. I heard that there are 3 different versions, a/b/c, from which 2 support LTE Band 20. How can I identify the right model? Do the have different serial numbers or anything like that? Maybe one of you can share their package (or rather the back of it) or phone information.
Or is there an app to check which Bands are supported?
Thanks ins advance
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For more information, visit this link: https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone-5-ZE620KL/Tech-Specs/
Or you can ask in ASUS ZenTalk because you won't get any help here.

A is the eurppean version.
B is the Global version. So if you don't buy it from local carriers (or through official channels), then you'll find this global version.
Currently there is no version for USA 4G.

This thread mentions the 5 but just to add some more info...the 5z supports more bands as listed here (https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone-5Z-ZS620KL/Tech-Specs/). All 3 versions support band 20.

I'd also like to know the answer to this question. I've bought one from China and am not sure if it supports the LTE band I need. What makes it worse is that it doesn't show what whether the phone is on 2G, 3G or 4G next to the mobile signal strength on the screen. I've never seen a phone do this. Is this normal on this phone? Is there a way to get to show it on screen?

Mine arrived a few days ago and the supported Bands were on the back of the package. I got a taiwanese version without Band 20/800mhz but I can identify wether I'm in 3G or 4G

GrandMasterPlank said:
I'd also like to know the answer to this question. I've bought one from China and am not sure if it supports the LTE band I need. What makes it worse is that it doesn't show what whether the phone is on 2G, 3G or 4G next to the mobile signal strength on the screen. I've never seen a phone do this. Is this normal on this phone? Is there a way to get to show it on screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have WiFi turned on? I don't have a sim in my 5 at the moment but I seem to recall it showing 4G, etc. next to the mobile signal strength if WiFi was turned off.

Thanks guys. Yep, I had WiFi turned on. I turned it off there it was "H". WTF is that all about!! You can't see whether you're on 2G, 3G or 4G unless you have WiFi turned off??!! Terrible design decision because I have WiFi on all the time, as do most of us, and I need to know what "G" I'm on as it affects data transfer, essential for my work......anyway, I also looked on the back of the box and there it is Band 20 is missing (the most popular 4G band in the UK). Great. Another ridiculous design design decision. And to add insult to injury the fingerprint sensor is poor. Only work 6/10 times. I'd seen this on reviews but figured they weren't doing it right. I've re-entered fingerprints a few times now and makes no difference. My old Honor 7 and my lads Xiaomi phone work 10/10 and lightning quick so there's no excuse........So the phone is going back......to China. Wonder if I'll ever see my money again.

GrandMasterPlank said:
Thanks guys. Yep, I had WiFi turned on. I turned it off there it was "H". WTF is that all about!! You can't see whether you're on 2G, 3G or 4G unless you have WiFi turned off??!! Terrible design decision because I have WiFi on all the time, as do most of us, and I need to know what "G" I'm on as it affects data transfer, essential for my work......anyway, I also looked on the back of the box and there it is Band 20 is missing (the most popular 4G band in the UK). Great. Another ridiculous design design decision. And to add insult to injury the fingerprint sensor is poor. Only work 6/10 times. I'd seen this on reviews but figured they weren't doing it right. I've re-entered fingerprints a few times now and makes no difference. My old Honor 7 and my lads Xiaomi phone work 10/10 and lightning quick so there's no excuse........So the phone is going back......to China. Wonder if I'll ever see my money again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All my previous Android phones worked this way. You can't see 2G/3G/4G, while you're on Wi-Fi. It's not ASUS's design, it's Android default design.
Indeed Band 20 is missing if you bought the Global version. If you want B20, you have to buy it officially from your local carrier/store, because that's the one made for EU.
EDIT: Before I consufe someone, let me clarify. What I said is only true for the Zenfone 5, because all versions of the Zenfone 5Z supports B20.

GrandMasterPlank said:
Thanks guys. Yep, I had WiFi turned on. I turned it off there it was "H". WTF is that all about!! You can't see whether you're on 2G, 3G or 4G unless you have WiFi turned off??!! Terrible design decision because I have WiFi on all the time, as do most of us, and I need to know what "G" I'm on as it affects data transfer, essential for my work......anyway, I also looked on the back of the box and there it is Band 20 is missing (the most popular 4G band in the UK). Great. Another ridiculous design design decision. And to add insult to injury the fingerprint sensor is poor. Only work 6/10 times. I'd seen this on reviews but figured they weren't doing it right. I've re-entered fingerprints a few times now and makes no difference. My old Honor 7 and my lads Xiaomi phone work 10/10 and lightning quick so there's no excuse........So the phone is going back......to China. Wonder if I'll ever see my money again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
G is 2G
H is 3G
H+ is 3.5G
4G/LTE is 4G :silly:
4G/LTE-A is 4.5G
Stock Android shows which G are you connected when WiFi is turned on (may use mobile data)

Stock Android shows which G are you connected when WiFi is turned on (may use mobile data)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guys, where the hell do you get this? I've never in my life seen a phone which showed 4G, when on wi-fi.
Pixel 2:
OnePlus 6:
Moto X Pure:

Ashenphoenix said:
Guys, where the hell do you get this? I've never in my life seen a phone which showed 4G, when on wi-fi.
Pixel 2:
OnePlus 6:
Moto X Pure:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try to switch on WiFi (disconnect LAN cable from gateway) + Mobile Data
If it's not available, flash custom ROM/stock ROM (not sure if it's available) and there is an option called 'Smart Network Switch'

Saktis_STi said:
Try to switch on WiFi (disconnect LAN cable from gateway) + Mobile Data
If it's not available, flash custom ROM/stock ROM (not sure if it's available) and there is an option called 'Smart Network Switch'
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh, indeed. So if you're on wi-fi, but there's no connection behind it, it should show a "!" next to the wi-fi and show 2/3/4G on the network. That's right, it's just not something that happens to me very often (or ever...).
But, yes that's a bug, I'll report it early tomorrow. Also the problem is different. It doesn't show 2/3/4G, because it stays on wi-fi and if I try to load a website it says it's unavailable, because I'm offline, so the bug is, that the phone doesn't switch from wi-fi to mobile network if the wi-fi doesn't have a connection.
I'm pretty sure it'll get fixed.

So are they making a version with the bands needed for TMobile and att?
Sent from my ZTE A2017U using Tapatalk

Saktis_STi said:
View attachment 4523764
For more information, visit this link: https://www.asus.com/Phone/ZenFone-5-ZE620KL/Tech-Specs/
Or you can ask in ASUS ZenTalk because you won't get any help here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The spec page has been updated and it appears version A has the fewest bands, version B next, and version C - everything. Why would anyone not want version C?

Mesmurized said:
The spec page has been updated and it appears version A has the fewest bands, version B next, and version C - everything. Why would anyone not want version C?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed...version C is the best. From what I can tell, all the ones available for sale to this point are A versions (at least from what the website listings have shown). According to an ASUS person on Zentalk, the US version will be the B variant. I'd buy one in a second if I could find either the B or C version online anywhere.

Why can't manufactures just suck it up and support every available band? I believe IPhones do it and I think the unlocked Galaxy S9+ does, too.

Sammae7 said:
Why can't manufactures just suck it up and support every available band? I believe IPhones do it and I think the unlocked Galaxy S9+ does, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They pay for licensing to enable all bands. Cheaper to do without.

If you don't make your own SoC like Huawei or Samsung, you need to pay for more bands. It's not a lot but just for example 10$ per device and you sell millions...

When I click that link and look at version c I'm not seeing all those bands u have on your screenshot
Mesmurized said:
The spec page has been updated and it appears version A has the fewest bands, version B next, and version C - everything. Why would anyone not want version C?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my ASUS_X018D using Tapatalk

Question P6P Verizon 5GUW update today

I am hearing that verizon has to certify the P6 and P6P to get the new 5G UW to work... Anyone confirm getting 5GUW icon on their verizon P6 or P6P today if they are on an unlimited 5G plan?

I'm not. Just plan old 5G icon.

On reddit, there are people confirming getting 5G UW with the iphone 13 near me. I am going to travel there to see if I get 5G UW or not. If not most likely a radio update will enable it from Verizon in the future updates, I am guessing....

You also have to be on one of their newer unlimited data plans.

TonikJDK said:
You also have to be on one of their newer unlimited data plans.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am, but it seems Verizon has confirmed that no P6 or P6P has "Certification" to use the c-band so it looks like we have to wait for some form of update.... I am guessing a radio update.

On a different note, the c-band update from Verizon will ALSO be included in Verizon's 5G @ home. This is great, great news for people that have limited home internet options and gives you the chance to say F U to the wired home internet companies like Comcast and Comcast. Right now, if you have a 5G unlimited plan with Verizon, you can get their 5G @ home internet for $50/month with a 50% off if you are in the c-band area that activated today according to Verizon. The speeds seem to be worthy against the wired competitors.

I wish I just lived in area that HAD VZW 5G

I'm fairly sure that n77 C-Band was still not enabled in the January update.
The cacombos folks are looking for logging contributions to help confirm when it gets enabled.

LLStarks said:
I'm fairly sure that n77 C-Band is still not enabled in the January update.
The cacombos folks are looking for logging contributions to help confirm when it gets enabled.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Who are the cacombos folks?

HipKat said:
I wish I just lived in area that HAD VZW 5G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What general area do you live? I live in the greater Phoenix area.

rester555 said:
What general area do you live? I live in the greater Phoenix area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Central Illinois. Very few places in IL have 5G

HipKat said:
Central Illinois. Very few places in IL have 5G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry to hear.

Central Illinois is going to be a while till they get c-band according to the PEA map... Unless you live in zone 24...
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rester555 said:
Who are the cacombos folks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Contribute | 4G/5G Bands & Combos
Check your device 4G and 5G Bands, Carrier Aggregation and Dual Connectivity Combinations here
cacombos.com
Our phones use the Shannon, Network Signal Guru, and Scat methods.
rester555 said:
I am, but it seems Verizon has confirmed that no P6 or P6P has "Certification" to use the c-band so it looks like we have to wait for some form of update.... I am guessing a radio update.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source on this?

LLStarks said:
Contribute | 4G/5G Bands & Combos
Check your device 4G and 5G Bands, Carrier Aggregation and Dual Connectivity Combinations here
cacombos.com
Our phones use the Shannon, Network Signal Guru, and Scat methods.
Source on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's the verge, so take it for what it's worth, but at the end of the article they verified directly with verizon that the P6 Pro is not "Certified" yet to work with c-band 77 Verge Link

I used network signal guru to determine why my work had poor 4g signal with Verizon and it kept switching me to band 66 on a further tower over band 13 on a closer tower. It was pissing me off that I couldn't turn off band 66 on my pixel 2 xl because the bandwidth was horrible based on the distance to that tower. While the few times it was on band 13 the bandwidth was great. Long story short, I loved using that app. Just wish it was easier for turning on and off certain bands on our pixel phones.

One last point on this, Verizon has been notorious for being slow on enabling radio tech going all the way back to the Verizon galaxy nexus. This goes for their carrier phones and unlocked phones. I WILL FOREVER HATE them for this, but unfortunately, they have the best coverage in the US. I wish the unlocked pixel phones had a workaround with the radios and enabling their tech without Verizon being the middle man, but it is their network. I would love to switch to T-mobile, but their signal when travelling is very subpar.

rester555 said:
One last point on this, Verizon has been notorious for being slow on enabling radio tech going all the way back to the Verizon galaxy nexus. This goes for their carrier phones and unlocked phones. I WILL FOREVER HATE them for this, but unfortunately, they have the best coverage in the US. I wish the unlocked pixel phones had a workaround with the radios and enabling their tech without Verizon being the middle man, but it is their network. I would love to switch to T-mobile, but their signal when travelling is very subpar.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was with T-mobile for several years for the military discount. Their speed was fantastic...if you had coverage. We switched back to VZW last year when they started doing military discounts and their speeds are half of what I was getting with TMO, but they have coverage everywhere. I am glad to see the 5g upgrade, but it will be interesting to see how long it takes to see the results on my phone.

rester555 said:
What general area do you live? I live in the greater Phoenix area.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My son, who also lives in Phoenix and is an iPhone user, said they opened the 5GUW and his data speed jumped from 30/mbps to 145! Sadly, I live in a smaller community that doesn't yet have 5GUW.
rester555 said:
Central Illinois is going to be a while till they get c-band according to the PEA map... Unless you live in zone 24...
View attachment 5513047
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you get the map, and what do the number signify?

Az Biker said:
My son, who also lives in Phoenix and is an iPhone user, said they opened the 5GUW and his data speed jumped from 30/mbps to 145! Sadly, I live in a smaller community that doesn't yet have 5GUW.
Where did you get the map, and what do the number signify?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've designed and qualified engineering equipment for 20 years now. The FAA and the FCC are huge barriers to qualifying RF equipment. So following the FAA and the FCC to learn what new tech is passing their review has been something that has interested me for my years as an engineer.
PEA stands for Partial Economic Area as part of the FCC. This map breakdown is how the FCC determines what bandwidth (frequencies) they auction off to telecommunication companies like Verizon for reporting to the federal government. Verizon stated with FCC approval that they are turning on c-band tech in PEA markets 1 through 46 based on the PEA map. This essentially means the 46 most productive economic markets will be turned on for c-band. This map has been around since 4G and I think it's the way the federal government understands frequency deployment around the US. Link to FCC PEAs (FCC PEA link). You have to scroll down to the middle of the page under the title PEA to find the link to the map on the page I hyperlinked. As verizon turns on more markets, they will tell the FCC which PEA areas they need for approval with the FCC based on the map.

General Carrier Services 89.0..._20220118

I just got an update for Carrier Services via the PlayStore. I am now running Carrier Services 89.0..._20220118
Hopefully these updates will continue to improve our Cellular services.

How does it feel? Is your network more stable? How's standby faring up?

T-Mobile is still September policy.

LLStarks said:
T-Mobile is still September policy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hopped off the December 10th beta and manually installed this new carrier services 89. build. The connection seems more stable at first pass, but I also cannot seem to pick up 5G UC. I am going to take a drive and go tower hopping to see if I can jump start it with a handoff.
I think swider is talking about the app from the playstore rather than what T-Mobile shows in the sim option. Admittedly my knowledge is limited on the particulars of this stuff.

TheAnarchi1 said:
I hopped off the December 10th beta and manually installed this new carrier services 89. build. The connection seems more stable at first pass, but I also cannot seem to pick up 5G UC. I am going to take a drive and go tower hopping to see if I can jump start it with a handoff.
I think swider is talking about the app from the playstore rather than what T-Mobile shows in the sim option. Admittedly my knowledge is limited on the particulars of this stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought you said you were going to drive by a tower and jump off

DespairFactor said:
I thought you said you were going to drive by a tower and jump off
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Probably a lot of people here would like to do that

Y'all, ROFL! If the reception situation doesn't improve I might be tempted to hop off a tower! I did drive out far enough for a handoff and it seems to have jump started everything as I anticipated. I am keeping an eye both on my speed and mobile network standby battery usage.

I will test on my Pixel 6 Pro... I hope this is better...
Edit : It's changing nothing, I just want cry again and again... (clear cache/data of carrier services, SIMToolkit, Sim Manager, reboot my Pixel...) F*ck Google !

Just RMA it. I also had connection issues right from the start (interupted mobile connection while at full LTE reception) and will get a replacement.

stroke55 said:
Just RMA it. I also had connection issues right from the start (interupted mobile connection while at full LTE reception) and will get a replacement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
stroke55,
Did you have the same issues with your replacement device? I have read a couple people going that route and they all seem to end up with roughly the same issues on the new device. I am still willing to believe that it's a software problem.

I got the new Carrier Services about a day or so ago. I think I might have noticed a decent increase in network and therefore better battery life. But I'll know more in a day or so. But it does look good so far.

Sure would be nice if everyone got these updates at the same time.

Zach Alt said:
Sure would be nice if everyone got these updates at the same time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get it from APK mirror, that's what I did

Beta of Carrier Services seems to be returned by the way. I just applied to it just in case xD

TheAnarchi1 said:
stroke55,
Did you have the same issues with your replacement device? I have read a couple people going that route and they all seem to end up with roughly the same issues on the new device. I am still willing to believe that it's a software problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will get my replacement unit next week probably (Google received my faulty P6P a couple of minutes ago) and will report back. If the issue will not be resolved Google will have a second chance to fix it before I have the legal right to withdraw from the purchase contract (at least here in my country). After 3 months I am just tired that Google seems to be unable to fix just a basic functionality of the phone softwarewise (or hardwarewise - who knows?!).

It looks like you can't get version 89.0___ unless you're in the Carrier Services beta group. But regardless, I think that I found a partial solution to one of the service issues that some are facing on T-Mo. In the SIM settings, put your "preferred network" to LTE (it's on 5G by default). In some areas of the US, your "5G" towers are just updated LTE towers and aren't proper 5G towers. As a result, if 5G is your preferred data type, it might dismiss the upgraded LTE towers and try its best to connect to an actual 5G tower, hence why it keeps failing and providing no service in some areas. Fixed.
Switching my preferred network to LTE resulted in the 5G logo popping up in the status bar and showing 3-4 bars of connection. It seems that the settings are a little messed up there.
*Edit* - Welp, nevermind. Ten minutes after doing this, the 5G logo went to the LTE image... And then ten more minutes later, I lost connection again and it wouldn't reconnect regardless of what was done... I'm gonna try joining the carrier services beta and see what happens. The only change I've made before this started happening was flash the latest Despair kernel.
*Final Edit* - I have removed my other edit posts as the issue was gone on other kernels and then returned a few minutes later. It seems there's either maintenance on my nearest cell tower or something else is going on... I'll wipe and reinstall the January update tonight to see what happens. Weird stuff. Yeah, disregard this as a re-update resolved the problem =)

What exactly does "carrier services" even do? It definitely isn't modem firmware, so can't impact signal strength or stability.

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96carboard said:
What exactly does "carrier services" even do? It definitely isn't modem firmware, so can't impact signal strength or stability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is the millions $$ question. Some say it deals with RCS messaging. Others have dug into the app and say it deals with IMS-related stuff. The going consensus is that it basically provides instructions of sorts to carriers on how to best optimise their service for the hardware. I can say that the .89 beta apk has improved my circumstance now about 24 hours in. I haven't had any disconnects that I am aware of. The device also appears to run cooler. I mean this could all be placebo and they could just be doing tower work, but it feels like an improvement to me.

NippleSauce said:
It looks like you can't get version 89.0___ unless you're in the Carrier Services beta group. But regardless, I think that I found a partial solution to one of the service issues that some are facing on T-Mo. In the SIM settings, put your "preferred network" to LTE (it's on 5G by default). In some areas of the US, your "5G" towers are just updated LTE towers and aren't proper 5G towers. As a result, if 5G is your preferred data type, it will dismiss the upgraded LTE towers and try its best to connect to an actual 5G tower, hence why it keeps failing and providing no service in some areas.
Switching my preferred network to LTE resulted in the 5G logo popping up in the status bar and showing 3-4 bars of connection. It seems that the settings are a little messed up there.
*Edit* - Welp, nevermind. Ten minutes after doing this, the 5G logo went to the LTE image... And then ten more minutes later, I lost connection again and it wouldn't reconnect regardless of what was done... I'm gonna try joining the carrier services beta and see what happens. The only change I've made before this started happening was flash the latest Despair kernel.
*Final Edit* - I have removed my other edit posts as the issue was gone on other kernels and then returned a few minutes later. It seems there's either maintenance on my nearest cell tower or something else is going on... I'll wipe and reinstall the January update tonight to see what happens. Weird stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's definitely some backend wonkiness with the preferred network toggle. It takes a good minute sometimes more for the network to jump back to LTE.