How to Tell If a Phone Will Work With WIND (or Any Other Carrier)

[Kier]

I'm sick of "Will THIS work on Wind!?!?!", so I'm detailing my procedure for checking device compatibility of any device on any network. Period. And it's a simple acronym so it'll be easy to remember.

Here it is:

T F P

Technology
Frequency
Permission

What does this mean? Read on.

Technology refers to the network technology used. GSM, UMTS, IDEN or CDMA, most likely. Look at the technology type(s) for your device, and then at the network you want to use. If they match, continue. If they don't, stop, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Look for a new device or a new network.

Some devices, typically UMTS ones, support both GSM and UMTS networks. So long as there is at least one network that both phone and network support, the phone should work on the network. Only running on one technology may reduce internet speeds, services or coverage, though.

If the phone matches the frequency of the network, you can move on to the next criteria: frequency.

Frequency is the operating frequency that a phone operates on. Unlike an FM radio, the frequency of a phone cannot be changed, but there are usually several bands that a phone supports - from 2 to 5, typically. Even if a phone uses the same network technology as a network, unless they run on the same frequency, the phone won't be able to connect to the network.

Please note that many networks work on 2 frequencies, typically a high and a low one. If a phone can use one of the frequencies and not the other, you may get some service, but coverage and/or signal strength may be reduced.

If a phone runs on the same technology and frequency as a carrier’s network, there’s no scientific reason why the device shouldn’t work. But politics always plays a role, so next to check is permission.

Permission is the test of whether a phone will be allowed on the network, or the use of a network on a phone is allowed. Both the phone and the network have to give permission for the device to be used.

Some, but a minority of networks will only allow their own branded devices to be used on their wireless networks. The older CDMA networks of Telus and Bell operated in this manner: a phone could only be activated on the service for which the device is branded, and the network would only activate devices sold by the carrier. With newer, SIM-based networks (including the Telus/Bell UMTS network), this is not usually the case, and a SIM card can be activated for use on any compatible device.

The more common permission issue is that of SIM-locking. This is where a phone can only be used with a SIM card of the provider the phone was bought from. For example, a phone bought from AT&T will not accept a SIM from T-Mobile, as all SIMs except AT&T SIMs are blocked. Phones can be unlocked to accept other SIMs, either by asking the original service provider (some have policies for/against this), using an unlocking service found online or in a mall, or using tools such an iSmartSIM (Google it).

If a phone can accept a SIM from the provider you want service from, and the service provider is willing to offer a SIM, or otherwise allow your phone on the network, you have permission, and the phone will work on the network. Well done!!

How to use TFP

TFP is easy to use once you understand it. Let’s run through the practical applications of TFP.

I want to buy a new phone. The first thing to check is the technology of the phone against the technology used by the carrier I want to use. In this case, I want to use Wind Mobile Canada. The device I want is a MyTouch 3G.

Wind’s network uses the UMTS technology, sometimes known as HSPA or WCDMA (NOT the same as CDMA, 1x, or EV-DO). The MyTouch also uses UMTS, and has GSM as well. Wind’s roaming in Canada and abroad uses GSM, so I’ll get coverage at home, and when travelling. The phone at the network share the same technology, and I can pass onto the frequency stage. Here are some other examples of checking technology:

Passing Example

Phone name: LG Rumour
Phone technology: CDMA
Network name: Bell Mobility (old network)
Network technology: CDMA
Result: PASS - move on to Frequency

Failing Example

Phone name: Nokia 6301
Phone technology: GSM
Network name: Bell Mobility (old network)
Network technology: CDMA
Result: FAIL - try a different device, or network

After knowing my device uses the right technology, I need to check the frequency.

As a quick aside, it’s good to note that there may be several versions of the same device, which use different frequencies or technologies based on the location in which they were designed for. For example, the HTC Hero comes in 3 versions: A CDMA version for Sprint in the USA, an 850 / 1900 MHz UMTS version for use in Canada by Telus and a 900 / 2100MHz UMTS model for use in Europe. Check the technology / frequency of the device you are buying or have bought!

After finding out what version of the phone I want (the T-Mobile MyTouch 3G, not the HTC Magic from Rogers or from Europe), I check the frequencies: 1700 MHz and 2100 MHz. Wind’s network uses 1700 MHz, so the MyTouch is compatible with the technology Wind uses, on the same frequency. Almost there!

Also, Just like with network technology, some frequencies can have different names. For example, 1700 MHz can be written as 1.7 GHz, AWS, UMTS band IV, etc. If unsure, use Google for an explanation. It is important to ensure that you are checking the frequency of each network technology, as each radio technology may operate on different frequencies within a phone (confusingly enough!). For example, a European Nokia E71 uses GSM on Quad-band frequencies (850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz) but UMTS on only 900 / 2100 MHz, so if I use this device on Rogers Wireless, which has GSM on 850 and 1900 MHz, but UMTS on 850 and 1900 MHz as well, I can only use this phone on GSM, since the European E71 only supports UMTS on frequencies that Rogers do not.

Here are a couple of extra examples of frequency compatibility:

Passing Example

Phone name: iPhone 3G
Phone technology: GSM and UMTS
Phone frequency: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz on GSM, 850 / 1900 / 2100 MHz on UMTS
Network name: Rogers Wireless
Network technology: GSM and UMTS
Network frequency: 850 / 1900 MHz on GSM, 850 / 1900 MHz on UMTS
Result: PASS - works on both, check Permission

Failing Example

Phone name: iPhone 3G
Phone technology: GSM and UMTS
Phone frequency: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz on GSM, 850 / 1900 / 2100 MHz on UMTS
Network name: Wind Mobile (Canada)
Network technology: UMTS
Network frequency: 1700 MHz on UMTS
Result: FAIL – phone does not run on carrier’s frequency

After technology and frequency comes permission. Permission is the hardest criteria to judge and has the most variables, but also the only one that can be fixed if there is a problem. As a rule of thumb for devices, especially in North America, is that if the device has a carrier’s branding on the device’s hardware (such a brand logo), then it is SIM-locked, and must be unlocked. If buying a device used, ask the seller if the device is unlocked, although unless advertised, it probably isn’t.

If the device is locked, look at the price of getting it unlocked, if possible. If it is easy and economical to do so, then getting the phone unlocked will let it work with your network, providing you have a SIM card. In my case, I can unlock a MyTouch 3G easily, and Wind provide SIM cards for $10, so I have permission.

Here are a couple of other examples:

Passing Example

Phone name: iPhone 3G
Phone technology: GSM and UMTS
Phone frequency: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz on GSM, 850 / 1900 / 2100 MHz on UMTS
Network name: Rogers Wireless
Network technology: GSM and UMTS
Network frequency: 850 / 1900 MHz on GSM, 850 / 1900 MHz on UMTS
Phone can use Rogers SIM: Yes, phone is unlocked
Phone permitted on Rogers network: Yes, SIM card available
Result: PASS – this phone will work flawlessly on Rogers

Failing Example

Phone name: LG Xenon
Phone technology: GSM and UMTS
Phone frequency: 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz on GSM, 850 / 1900 MHz on UMTS
Network name: Rogers Wireless
Network technology: GSM and UMTS
Network frequency: 850 / 1900 MHz on GSM, 850 / 1900 MHz on UMTS
Phone can use Rogers SIM: No, phone is SIM locked to Bell
Phone permitted on Rogers network: Yes, SIM card available
Result: FAIL – must be unlocked before being used with a Rogers SIM

Failing Example

Phone name: BlackBerry Curve 8330 (Bell)
Phone technology: CDMA
Phone frequency: 800 / 1900 MHz
Network name: Telus Mobility (old network)
Network technology: CDMA
Network frequency: 800 / 1900 MHz
Phone can use Telus SIM: CDMA phone, no SIM
Phone permitted on Telus network: Phone is Bell branded, may not be used on Telus
Result: FAIL – Only Telus devices may be used on Telus CDMA network

So my MyTouch 3G will work with my Wind service plan, as proven by TFP. This guide may seem a bit long, so here’s a cheat sheet you can reference easily:

Easy TFP Guide

1) Discover the network technology of both the device and the network. If at least one matches, continue.
2) Find out the frequencies at which both the network and the phone run on. If at least one matches, continue.
3) Make sure the carrier allows non-branded devices on the network.
4) Find out if the phone is SIM unlocked, or if SIM unlocking is possible.

If all 4 come out positive, you’re good to go.

A few notes about Wind Canada:

Wind operates a UMTS / WCDMA / HSPA network at the 1700 MHz frequency, known as AWS or Band IV. IT DOES NOT RUN ON 2100 MHz! NO 1700 MHz, NO WIND!

Thanks for reading my guide, hope this helps out, feel free to ask questions and if I see a single thread asking if X device will work, I WILL PERSONALLY TRACK DOWN YOUR IP, BURN YOUR HOUSE DOWN AND THEN STEAMROLL THE ASHES.

[zhuwh2]

Useful article.I will try to use your tips on some phones, thanks

[migo]

This is supreme! Mods, STICKY THIS!!!

Just a small quibble, it is possible to change the frequency on a phone, although the only example I can think of is the Motorola ROKR E6 which could be soft-modded from tri-band GSM to quad-band GSM.

[lukeiphone]

yepp, must be stickied!

[Jonavin]

Nice job. I'll just link to this the next time somebody asks. IMO, if they are too lazy to even read your post, they should not be buying third party phones at all.

[Surrea|]

This is supreme! Mods, STICKY THIS!!!

Just a small quibble, it is possible to change the frequency on a phone, although the only example I can think of is the Motorola ROKR E6 which could be soft-modded from tri-band GSM to quad-band GSM.

Any wireless devices are technically supposed to be locked to a frequency at the firmware level. This is due to FCC regulations. While sometimes it is possible to get around this, manufacturers usually make it pretty difficult so that they can claim innocence if the FCC gets made. So I think phones where you can change the frequency are going to be by far the exception to the rule, and nothing something that you want to confuse people over (and confusion is the whole point of the post here).

[2K2SilverCivicS]

so what does the frequncy 2100 used for? data?

[Jonavin]

so what does the frequncy 2100 used for? data?

It's not used at all. 2100 is Band 1 or IMT that's used in the rest of the world, not North America. The only use for "2100" on your phone specs is for overseas 3G roaming. Don't even both to look for "2100" in the phone specs unless you are interested in 3G roaming overseas; all 3G phones (so far) have all the 2G band required for roaming. If you're looking for North American compatibility than that "2100" is useless.

And let's not confuse the matter with talk of up and down frequencies unless you can show me where they list up/down frequencies for other bands. I think that was the mistake both carriers made by calling AWS by it's up/down frequency instead of just "AWS" or "1700" will do, as it is on phone specs. Ultimately they should just use the UMTS Band numbering system.

[katy_enas]

Great explanation. Now looking forwards to use your same way of explanation to get what G2 or 3 means?

[Kier]

Great explanation. Now looking forwards to use your same way of explanation to get what G2 or 3 means?

You asked, here it is (better late than never!):

Following the TFP Guide, I had a request to create a guide explaining what the Gs meant when describing cell phone technology and progress, such as 2G or 3G.

The easiest way to describe what a G refers to is “The generation (G) from which a mobile communication standard belongs, indicating its maturity and technological advancement.”

Or more basically: “How new and good it is.”

The first generation of mobile telephony (1G) was entirely analog, with the exception of the signals to initiate calls. The phone calls themselves were completely analog, and offered very little security or protection against unauthorized usage or call snooping. Of course, text messaging and web surfing were not possible at all on these devices.

1G technologies: Nordic Mobile Telephone (NMT), Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS)

First generation networks have now been phased out almost completely, and replaced by two major types of second generation (2G) networks: GSM and CDMA. The use of GSM was mandated in Europe, which combined with interchangeable SIM cards containing a user’s account and phone number allowed for heavy competition in the marketplace. In North America, providers had to chose between the compatibility and popularity of GSM, or the more secure, efficient CDMA technologies. This gap made competition much harder in these markets.

2G technologies were all-digital, and were the first to allow text messaging and web access over the network. various enhancements and add-ons were made to these networks to allow greater data speeds and efficiency. These enhancements are often referred to as “2.5G” or “2.75G”

GSM and CDMA are still popular technologies around the world. However their security, efficiency and data speeds are becoming eclipsed by the newer 3G technologies.

2G technologies: Global System for Mobile Telecomunications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)

Add-ons: General Pack Radio Service (GPRS – GSM data add-on), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE – GSM faster data), 1xRTT (CDMA – faster CDMA data and better efficiency)

3G is the fastest and most modern generation of technologies in mass use today. Instead of being voice-centric with data add-ons, 3G networks were designed for high speed web access and internet protocol (IP) connectivity.

Although the CDMA family of technologies had a 3G spec in the form of Evolution – Data Optimized (EVDO), it was only an add-on to the older 1x-RTT technology, and didn’t allow simultaneous voice and data, exchangeable SIM cards or speeds above 3Mbps.

The key 3G technology in use today is called Universal Mobile Telephony System (UMTS) which is based on an improved version of CDMA technology, but is actually part of the GSM family of technologies. Unlike EVDO, which is a 3G add-on to the older 1xRTT spec, UMTS is a whole new network spec, radically different from the older GSM specs. Despite being able to switch between GSM and UMTS networks, the two are not backwards compatible, making UMTS networks require new equipment, additional radio spectrum, and new devices to use the network. This makes upgrading from GSM to UMTS expensive and difficult.

Basic UMTS networks provide data speeds comprable to that of 2G networks, but allowed voice calls and data to be used at the same time. Also, with the High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) add-ons, together known as High Speed Packet Access (HSPA, a “3.5G” technology), download speeds could be increased to 1.8, then 3,6, then 7.2Mbps.

HSPA+ (a “3.75G” technology) increases the efficiency and speed of UMTS networks to 21Mbps and beyond. Deployment of EVDO networks stopped with EVDO Rev A, which delivered speeds of 3.1Mbps.

3G technologies: Code Division Multiple Access – Evolution Data Optimized (CDMA – EVDO), Universal Mobile Telephony System (UMTS)

Add-ons: EVDO Rev A (Faster EVDO data speeds), High Speed Packet Access (Faster UMTS data speeds)

Fourth generation networks are currently under development and testing, and although a rival technology called Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) was proposed, almost every carrier in the world has agreed on using a technology called Long Term Evolution (LTE), which will start being used publicly in the following months. 4G networks are designed to not only allow fast data speeds, but also low latency and VoIP for voice calls. All communication will be routed as data over the IP network.

WiMax is already in use in some areas as a high speed “4G” network technology, but some may argue against this classification, as WiMax is not used, nor was it designed for voice or messaging purposes. WiMax has not gained major popularity, and its niche in the market is waning as HSPA+ increases data speeds above what WiMax is realistically capable of achieving, as well as having backwards compatibility with 3G devices, voice and messaging services, higher worldwide adoption and superior coverage. Also, with LTE soon to be entering the market with far superior speeds and latency, and the support of all major service providers, WiMax may soon be obsolete, leaving LTE as the only 4G network technology achieving mass adoption. CDMA, GSM and UMTS networks will be capable of handing off to LTE.

4G technologies: Long Term Evolution (LTE), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), WiMax

That concludes the first edition of my guide to Gs. If you have any questions, comments or corrections, please feel free to leave a comment below.

http://kieranbullen.com/?p=152

[Jonavin]

Good writeup but I want to point out that CDMA can use SIMs (R-UIM), it's just that we don't use it in North American. In Asia there are carriers that use Them for CDMA.

Also missing are any mention of TDMA, iDEN, etc...

UMTS is also referred to as W-CDMA, in case the alphabet soup isn't confusing enough. Lol.

[AdamSavage]

The Nokia N8 when it comes out should work on Wind provided it's unlocked ?

[Jonavin]

The Nokia N8 when it comes out should work on Wind provided it's unlocked ?

Yes. It'll be one of the first phones to support all HSPA bands used in North America. So you can basically use it on any Canadian carrier; except Public Mobile since they are CDMA only.

[AdamSavage]

Yes. It'll be one of the first phones to support all HSPA bands used in North America. So you can basically use it on any Canadian carrier; except Public Mobile since they are CDMA only.

oh man I got to get my hands on it. That looks like one sick phone.

[okboy]

oh man I got to get my hands on it. That looks like one sick phone.

You really don't. Nokia is a company in limbo right now. All their recent phones have been reviewed poorly. Many key roles have resigned and or expected to soon, including the CEO (now replaced by a Microsoft guy, yuk) and design leads. Major Nokia-supporting bloggers have famously turned their back on the phones. All that aside, a video walkthrough of the UI of one of their phones convinced me that they are beyond all redemption. It seemed like it was designed to be unintuitive. Not. An. Exaggeration.