Motorola Defy

[chrisscass]

Hi. My collegue got a Motorola Defy from the Oprah show (T-Mobile). If I get it unlocked, will it work on Telus? Sorry, I'm a newbie when it comes to phones.

Thanks in advance.

[HC - NO "i"]

chrisscass,

Greetings.

Unfortunately, the current available model of Motorola Defy, its 3G mode DOES NOT operate in the UMTS Band II (1900) and Band V (850) that TELUS' 3G+ network is using.

http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/XW...DEFY-XW-EN.alt

[chrisscass]

Thank you for the response.

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but is your link to the Europe site?

On this link it says "WCDMA 850/1700/2100, GSM 850/900/1800/1900, HSDPA 7.2":

http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US...BLUR-US-EN.alt

...and that is Band v - 850, yes? So it should work on Telus? (I suppose depending on which spec is right).

Thanks again.

[HC - NO "i"]

chrisscass,

Thank you for spotting another variant, MB525 (FCC ID IHDP56LC3) caters for the North American market with 3G mode operates in the UMTS Band I (2100)/IV (AWS)/V (850).

Sure, I have yet to find a place with TELUS' 3G+ service only available in the UMTS Band II (1900) but it does not make any device that is compatible with TELUS 3G+ in the UMTS Band V (850) only an ideal choice.

BTW, please refer to the FAQ thread http://www.howardforums.com/showthre...he-new-network

[chrisscass]

Thanks, I read from that US link I provided it says:
"WCDMA 850/1700/2100"

http://www.motorola.com/Consumers/US...BLUR-US-EN.alt

And on your FAQ thread it says "A Multi-mode/band phone that INCLUDES the 3G WCDMA/UMTS/HSPA 850/1900 (e.g. Quadband GSM + 3G w/ 850/1900) WILL BE REQUIRED."

The second post in the FAQ shows a green light beside WCDMA 850.

So because the Motorola Defy isn't 850/1900 (but rather is 850/1700/2100), it will not work?

This site seems to state it will work: http://www.pdaplaza.ca/shop.php?id=791&subcatid=139
(It specifies "3G: 850/2100 Canada/US").

Regards.

[HC - NO "i"]

chrisscass,

As you posted the reply, I have already updated mine as well.

Like I have said, I have yet to find a place with TELUS' 3G+ service only available in the UMTS Band II (1900) but it does not make any device that is only compatible with TELUS 3G+ in the UMTS Band V (850) an ideal choice. Perhaps this is the reason why some devices, even with either UMTS Band II (1900) OR Band V (850) would be listed as "incompatible" by online Non TELUS device compatibility checking tool...

http://www.telusmobility.com/en/ON/p...tibility.shtml

Nevertheless, I have got two 3G+ capable handsets operating in the UMTS Band I (2100) / V (850) fine with TELUS.

[chrisscass]

Ah, so it's a bit of a gamble then it seems.

I actually have an HTC Magic (from Rogers) that I'm using on Telus. But I used an unsupported charger and "fried" it, so the charging mechanism doesn't work properly anymore (...the phone gets very hot and a full charge drains in a 1/2 hr).

I used that compatibility link previously with my HTC Magic and it said it was not compatible, but I had no issues using that phone with Telus. So I guess that tool is only so-so in terms of reliability also.

I guess I will never truly know about the Motorola Defy unless I take the plunge and try it.

[HC - NO "i"]

chriscass,

Yes, we are always on our own if choose to use those devices not offered by TELUS. Talking of the Motorola Defy, please verify with the unit you are going to get for a possible manufacturing defect... There have been reports in Germany, some units have got the defective earpiece.

[chrisscass]

Thanks for all your feedback!