Can you call with a Touch Diamond in Japan? - Touch Diamond, MDA Compact IV General

Hi,
This weekend hopefully I will be flying to Japan for a month but I was wondering if my phone will work over there. I checked with Vodafone and they say it wont as the TD is a tri band phone. But ive been reading around the internet for a bit and it seems that these days Japan also uses the 3G UMTS system like it is in use in Europe so that would mean the TD should work? I keep reading 2 different things. Either it wont work unless you have a quad band phone or yes it will work as long as you have a UMTS phone.
Anybody here happen to have experiance with calling with a TD in Japan?

Hi!
I recently (this year's easter vacation) spent to weeks in Japan and had no problems whatsoever with my Diamond
greets, Sty

Should be useable in major cities. Maybe not out in the countryside. You may want to rent or buy a local phone (you can rent them right at the airport in Tokyo, just a couple dollars a day and cheap in-country calls) since their system that is in use everywhere in the country is not GSM or CDMA, but some totally unique Japan only system (forget the name).
Alan

Yes they used to have that but I read that they changed that to the european UMTS system for the most part. I know you can rent a phone but that will cost me over 100 euro's for a month excluding calls and I think that is a bit too much considering I dont really plan on calling other than when I have a emergancy (like where the **** am I? I'm really bad at following directions). But styraker didnt have any problems so I'll first try that. Calling wont be that expensive anyway. I got vodafone passport so ill be paying local fares + 79 cents for every call I make. Since I dont plan on calling much that would be cheap.

Related

To all TMobile USA users and to pretty much and USA user

I just spoke to a very very knowledgable representative from TMobile USA maybe 10 minutes ago.
I first started asking about the TMobile MDA Vario III (or to most known, the Kaiser... i believe at least). After talking a little we got into quite a deep conversation, the first person from first tier support that wasnt an idiot WOW!
He informed me that he had heard that TMobile USA had purchaced the 1700mhz band for their new 3g network. That we would definately here more about the network this year but that they are waiting (to many stupid US laws...) for all current users to vacate this newly purchaces band.
Also he then informed me that anyone that would be either buying a Kaiser from Europe unlocked, or buying an AT&T 8925 (Kaiser) then getting it unlocked would have the likelihood of not having the full potential of their 3g netword on their phone. Also stated that when 1700 does become purchased and person currently owning the tmobile mda or the new tmobile wing would not be able to use the 3g networks.
Next he told me about how an htc rep had come into the office not to long ago and talked to him about their (htcs) phones. The htc rep informed him that they are currently working on a very very quick phone for TMobile USA, im guessing it is some sort of branch off from the Kaiser, but he had no information exactly about that.
I also asked him about the pricing of the monthly data connection. He said, "well all i know from experience is that when TMobile went from normal data speeds to the EDGE towers, the monthly price stayed the same."
Trying to think about what else.... hmmm. I'm guessing that is it, ask question if you can think about anything else... we talked on the phone for seriously 20-25 minutes... how blackberrys suck, how iphones are overated and only for fad following cheerleaders lol, just everything.
TMO is in big mess because governmental agencies are refusing to vacate the 1700MHz as quick as TMO wants ( Homeland security ). their 3G network will be delayed and their GSM net will suffer because they lack the spectrum. Their 3G testing in NJ/NY was halted because of inteference!!
Mog said:
I just spoke to a very very knowledgable representative from TMobile USA maybe 10 minutes ago.
I first started asking about the TMobile MDA Vario III (or to most known, the Kaiser... i believe at least). After talking a little we got into quite a deep conversation, the first person from first tier support that wasnt an idiot WOW!
He informed me that he had heard that TMobile USA had purchaced the 1700mhz band for their new 3g network. That we would definately here more about the network this year but that they are waiting (to many stupid US laws...) for all current users to vacate this newly purchaces band.
Also he then informed me that anyone that would be either buying a Kaiser from Europe unlocked, or buying an AT&T 8925 (Kaiser) then getting it unlocked would have the likelihood of not having the full potential of their 3g netword on their phone. Also stated that when 1700 does become purchased and person currently owning the tmobile mda or the new tmobile wing would not be able to use the 3g networks.
Next he told me about how an htc rep had come into the office not to long ago and talked to him about their (htcs) phones. The htc rep informed him that they are currently working on a very very quick phone for TMobile USA, im guessing it is some sort of branch off from the Kaiser, but he had no information exactly about that.
I also asked him about the pricing of the monthly data connection. He said, "well all i know from experience is that when TMobile went from normal data speeds to the EDGE towers, the monthly price stayed the same."
Trying to think about what else.... hmmm. I'm guessing that is it, ask question if you can think about anything else... we talked on the phone for seriously 20-25 minutes... how blackberrys suck, how iphones are overated and only for fad following cheerleaders lol, just everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MDA and WING are not 3G phones. 1700 was won in a bidding about year and half ago.
yozh said:
MDA and WING are not 3G phones. 1700 was won in a bidding about year and half ago.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
correct it was won a year and a half ago. but there is some governmental law that says each user has 10 years to vacate that band 1700. its just a matter of time before tmobile starts paying people to get off their newly purchased network.
also about the comment of the mda and the wing... yes I know that they are not 3g compatable but I think there are quite a few 8525 unlocked tmobile users on this site like me. and I think there are quite a few that have tmobile that will be buying a phone (kaiser) soon that will cost a couple hundred dollars. I'm just here to warn them... this new phone may not even be able to work on the soon to be 3g network. just don't want people to waste their money.
Mog said:
this new phone may not even be able to work on the soon to be 3g network. just don't want people to waste their money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can kinda attest to that myself...
A few years ago I purchased the wonderful Moto V525 unlocked and Voda branded. Popped in my Tmobile SIM and worked like a charm, with the exception of downloads. While on a tmobile branded V300 the same download would take say 30 seconds, in mine, by then unbranded and flashed a million times, would take maybe 20-30 seconds longer.
Granted, this is no indication of anything... I have a Tmobile branded Wizard that has been flashed to death with all kinds of home cooked releases and the EDGE speeds I get are just fine.
austin_boy said:
TMO is in big mess because governmental agencies are refusing to vacate the 1700MHz as quick as TMO wants ( Homeland security ). their 3G network will be delayed and their GSM net will suffer because they lack the spectrum. Their 3G testing in NJ/NY was halted because of inteference!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What an F..ing crock!
One government agency sells the spectrum, FCC and another will not vacate the freqs!? Yeeeeeeeesh!
haha yea... ditto
mmeyer4663 said:
What an F..ing crock!
One government agency sells the spectrum, FCC and another will not vacate the freqs!? Yeeeeeeeesh!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea bush admin are being assholes... crap... can we cuss in this forum? i forget...
but eh, its pretty stupid to me, the government themselves have the rules that current band users have 10 years, of course they are gonna leech on it as long as they can, or at least until this war is over... who am i kidding this war wont end til hes out of office lol.
lmfao look i found the count down, when tmobile will have full rights to their new band. HAHAHA!
http://www.howlonguntilbushisgone.com/
Mog said:
yea bush admin are being assholes... crap... can we cuss in this forum? i forget...
but eh, its pretty stupid to me, the government themselves have the rules that current band users have 10 years, of course they are gonna leech on it as long as they can, or at least until this war is over... who am i kidding this war wont end til hes out of office lol.
lmfao look i found the count down, when tmobile will have full rights to their new band. HAHAHA!
http://www.howlonguntilbushisgone.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah. Sorry about my tantrum.
I have to deal with the actions of the FCC all of the time. I work in the cableTV industry. Kevin Martin HATES us!
The FCC whines about monopolies, level playing field, innovation and all of the other FUN buzz words and then they pull a major (*@#&(*&#@(*&$ like this!
Really gripes my cookies!
And to all of the folks out there that want to give th government more control over their lives so that they don't have to deal with the challenges, let this kind of mis-management of resources be a lesson.
Ok, off the soapbox and back to the technology!
Mog said:
I just spoke to a very very knowledgable representative from TMobile USA maybe 10 minutes ago.
I first started asking about the TMobile MDA Vario III (or to most known, the Kaiser... i believe at least). After talking a little we got into quite a deep conversation, the first person from first tier support that wasnt an idiot WOW!
He informed me that he had heard that TMobile USA had purchaced the 1700mhz band for their new 3g network. That we would definately here more about the network this year but that they are waiting (to many stupid US laws...) for all current users to vacate this newly purchaces band.
Also he then informed me that anyone that would be either buying a Kaiser from Europe unlocked, or buying an AT&T 8925 (Kaiser) then getting it unlocked would have the likelihood of not having the full potential of their 3g netword on their phone. Also stated that when 1700 does become purchased and person currently owning the tmobile mda or the new tmobile wing would not be able to use the 3g networks.
Next he told me about how an htc rep had come into the office not to long ago and talked to him about their (htcs) phones. The htc rep informed him that they are currently working on a very very quick phone for TMobile USA, im guessing it is some sort of branch off from the Kaiser, but he had no information exactly about that.
I also asked him about the pricing of the monthly data connection. He said, "well all i know from experience is that when TMobile went from normal data speeds to the EDGE towers, the monthly price stayed the same."
Trying to think about what else.... hmmm. I'm guessing that is it, ask question if you can think about anything else... we talked on the phone for seriously 20-25 minutes... how blackberrys suck, how iphones are overated and only for fad following cheerleaders lol, just everything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this may not be right, but here on xda-developers, if you go to the htc titan section, they also refer it to the mogul, 6800, and vario III?
so the Vario III might not be the kaiser.
Totally incorrect
captainsensible2002 said:
Totally incorrect
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well i was just saying what i spoted here on the forum. should that be fixed then?
So any chance then that the Kaiser will support T-Mobile's [email protected]?
Mog said:
correct it was won a year and a half ago. but there is some governmental law that says each user has 10 years to vacate that band 1700. its just a matter of time before tmobile starts paying people to get off their newly purchased network.
also about the comment of the mda and the wing... yes I know that they are not 3g compatable but I think there are quite a few 8525 unlocked tmobile users on this site like me. and I think there are quite a few that have tmobile that will be buying a phone (kaiser) soon that will cost a couple hundred dollars. I'm just here to warn them... this new phone may not even be able to work on the soon to be 3g network. just don't want people to waste their money.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mog,
Since you mentioned Tmobile and unlock 8525, I was wondering what WM6 ROMs (Cooked or HTC Released) is the most stable, compatible with this network. I too have an AT&T 8525, SuperCID / SIM unlock that I use for Tmobile (USA) network. But all the stuff that I have read in most threads are optimize for AT&T.
Some folks in the UK who are using Tmobile suggested to go with WM6 cooked ROMs. But I know their network and ours are quite different. At first I thought if I purchased a Tmobile UK phone (838 PRO) and have it unlock, then it will be optimized for Tmobile USA network. But I found out that they're entirely different from one another.
I just wanted to know your feedback as well as other Tmobile users out there who uses 8525 or similar phone, which WM6 ROM would be best for our situation. Any input or feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks all
DEADCENTER said:
Mog,
Since you mentioned Tmobile and unlock 8525, I was wondering what WM6 ROMs (Cooked or HTC Released) is the most stable, compatible with this network. I too have an AT&T 8525, SuperCID / SIM unlock that I use for Tmobile (USA) network. But all the stuff that I have read in most threads are optimize for AT&T.
Some folks in the UK who are using Tmobile suggested to go with WM6 cooked ROMs. But I know their network and ours are quite different. At first I thought if I purchased a Tmobile UK phone (838 PRO) and have it unlock, then it will be optimized for Tmobile USA network. But I found out that they're entirely different from one another.
I just wanted to know your feedback as well as other Tmobile users out there who uses 8525 or similar phone, which WM6 ROM would be best for our situation. Any input or feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
llvllerlin said:
So any chance then that the Kaiser will support T-Mobile's [email protected]?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well go to the Hermes WM6 board, there was one just released on the 17th or 18th i believe. V3gp or something like that, I believe that would be the most stable because it is the closest thing we got to the WM6 8525 official ROM update. I myself am dealing with WM5 currently, I'll just wait for the official release which "should" be fairly soon.
M
llvllerlin said:
So any chance then that the Kaiser will support T-Mobile's [email protected]?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont believe so, for hotspot at home to work you not only need the wifi capability you need some other program to be able to switch from wifi to normal satellite, but im not saying someone will re-release it themselves. We got alot of smart programmers on this website
6800/Mogul is a CDMA phone vs Kaiser a GSM phone.
Wow we got a bunch of idiots on this forum
DEADCENTER said:
Some folks in the UK who are using Tmobile suggested to go with WM6 cooked ROMs. But I know their network and ours are quite different. At first I thought if I purchased a Tmobile UK phone (838 PRO) and have it unlock, then it will be optimized for Tmobile USA network. But I found out that they're entirely different from one another.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Phones aren't "optimized" for any network, they either have the bands it needs or they do not.
Mog said:
I dont believe so, for hotspot at home to work you not only need the wifi capability you need some other program to be able to switch from wifi to normal satellite, but im not saying someone will re-release it themselves. We got alot of smart programmers on this website
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cell phones do not use satellite, they use radio towers
1700???
I'm pretty sure they pruchased the 2100mhz band that would support video
800mhz old skewl
850mhz old skewl
1800mhz Edge\GPRS
1900mhz Edge\GPRS
2100mhz 3G-Video
1900mhz 3G-HSDPA
1700mhz\2100mhz T-Mobile 3G-not sure if it is hsdpa
Not positive why the T-mob rep told ya 1700mhz cause they purchaes they also purchased 2100MHZ frequency.
sandrobber said:
I'm pretty sure they pruchased the 2100mhz band that would support video
800mhz old skewl
850mhz old skewl
1800mhz Edge\GPRS
1900mhz Edge\GPRS
2100mhz 3G-Video
1900mhz 3G-HSDPA
1700mhz\2100mhz T-Mobile 3G-not sure if it is hsdpa
Not positive why the T-mob rep told ya 1700mhz cause they purchaes they also purchased 2100MHZ frequency.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Once again, incorrect information.
It doesn't matter the band, ANYTHING can be put on any band.
T-Mobile bought the 1700MHz band to put their 3G on.
They can offer 2-way video just like every other 3G carrier, or they could do like AT&T and offer 1-way or they could not offer video at all if they wanted.
Its up to them
This thread was started with incorrect information and continues to get posts as such. Since this is just confusing more people than helping, I'm closing the thread.

o2 vs t-mobile

Ok, I know this isnt really the place for this post - but my motives will become clear. My faithful Vario II is now reaching the end of its useful life (the battery dies without warning and lasts about 4 hours max at the moment). Its served me well these past 18 months.
I need a phone with Qwerty and WM, plus 3G is useful so the obvious choice is the Kaiser/TyTN II/Vario III/Stella. With that in mind I've been looking at rejoining o2 now they have released unlimited data (again! - I've still got my o2 genie sim card with unlimited WAP somewhere). T-mobiles service can be shocking at best, especially when in London when you'd expect full signal, sometimes it can take 2-3 minutes to make one call. So I put it to the floor - these are the current state of the offers I've recieved - and you'll see its a tough choice.
o2 (Business)
34.68 + VAT (41ish pounds) / Month
700 minutes, 450 texts
200Mb data (business contracts are like that)
Free o2 to o2 calls
Free voicemail
Free land line calls for 3 months - then to 10 changable landline numbers for the rest
free international call option thing (80% off all international calls)
free bluetooth headset
Free 3 months line rental
Phone - £76
However - 24 month contract - upgrade available after 12 months
T-mobile (this is where it gets interesting - after explaining the o2 deal)
£35 / month (inc VAT)
Flex 35 + Web and Walk (2Gb data) (equates to a combination of 900 minutes / 1800 texts, not both)
Free weekend calls
Free voicemail
(heres the interesting part) - Free USB Modem with data (laptop dongle).
18 month contract.
Free Phone.
What do you think? its a tough decision - even if I go for the stella on o2's consumer tarrifs id have to pay a whopping £90 for the phone. - and that usb modem could be useful...
If you push O2 hard you can get the phone for free. I did on the same business tariff, but it was an upgrade as opposed to a new contract. Tell them the phone is free with t-mobile & Orange (http://www.fones4free.com/FrontOffice/YourDealPage.aspx?ModelName=TyTN 2&DealReference=WGEX21).
Then at the last minute say you won't sign for 24 months & see if they reduce it to 12. They did for me.
As someone who is tied into a T-Mobile deal at the moment, it's a no-brainer. Coverage is everything - the best deal in the world is no comfort without a signal! Vodafone or O2 for me when I leave this contract.
chuk
crazy horse uk said:
As someone who is tied into a T-Mobile deal at the moment, it's a no-brainer. Coverage is everything - the best deal in the world is no comfort without a signal! Vodafone or O2 for me when I leave this contract.
chuk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can't argue there - without coverage, what matter the contract deal. Personally I have great T-Mobile coverage, which is why I swapped from O2. If your coverage from T-Mobile is OK, then the deal looks great
I'm on O2, and I live and work in areas with poor coverage but I always have 2 bars of 2G when inside. My GF and some work mates have orange and get no coverage at all.
This is todo with the 900mhz frequency that o2 and vodaphone uses (See here).
Depends on what you need.
I'd go for the T-Mobile deal. I'm on an 18 month contract, having left 3. Before I was with 3, I was with 02. I also had a Vodaphone contract running whilst with 3, but have recently dumped that. S, you could say I've tried everyone. T-Mobile coverage is great in my neck of the woods - and I'm out in the sticks...I even get HSDPA where I am, and I'm rural. Money-wise and deal-wise, T-Mobile is your best bet.
Bothsound ok, but as Crazy Horse said, make sure your coverage is going to be good. Tip - Google for "free O2 SIM" (here's a link). It's free (as in literally - you don't have to do an initial topup) and it will let you know whether it is going to work for you.
If you are already on T-Mobile then you should know whether that will work for you.
Thanks guys. T-mobile signal can be annoying - but as I'm in london most of time signal is OK.. The frustrating thing is the lack of t-mob signal downstairs in my house - whilst o2 is kinda border line!
Does o2 has HSPA yet?
your either a very VERY good customer with t-mobile or they have lied to you. if the offer was true it will not be available for very long, i work on the loyalty team in t-mobile and that offer has broken several different policys. so i would confirm that offer from them if i was you
Buzbe said:
Thanks guys. T-mobile signal can be annoying - but as I'm in london most of time signal is OK.. The frustrating thing is the lack of t-mob signal downstairs in my house - whilst o2 is kinda border line!
Does o2 has HSPA yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes o2 has HSDPA, but it's not up to full speed yet. I believe it is currently running at 1.8mbps. I am getting full signal HSDPA in south london.
Also, are you aware that o2 re-launched their tarrifs on Friday?? The data bolt-ons are now "truly unlimited" (with a few limitations Ha Ha Ha, FUP applies etc.).
Unlimited data can be added for FREE to any 18month consumer tarrif that is £35pm+.
yep - but I prefer to bill through the business - thus i go for a business tariff, sure its 24 months, but I get the added bonus of 3 months free (paying for the phone) and an upgrade after 3 months..
I still cant decide. Right now I have GPRS and one bar on t-mobile in my home office - not great..
yakleback55 said:
your either a very VERY good customer with t-mobile or they have lied to you. if the offer was true it will not be available for very long, i work on the loyalty team in t-mobile and that offer has broken several different policys. so i would confirm that offer from them if i was you
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What part breaks the policies.... from what I've been told its £20 off a deal they were offering for £50, which is Flex 35 + Usb modem with unlimited date.... thus working out £30 pm, (then plus the 7.50 I would need for WnW on the mobile).
they cant send a phone and a usb modem out from the same account the modem is classed as a phone. it can be done but it shoul not be done
also web & walk is web & walk once its on your line u can use the same sim in a modem or a handset you dont need 2 different options. None of it sound right thats all i would just advise you double check it with them
nah it would be two separate accounts - "a new deal" which normally would be £50 pm but they were offering it at £30 to me.
However I just asked for the £20 discount - now i have flext 35 + wnw and a free phone for 22.50pm.
I am about to transfer from O2 to (probably) t-mobile as I can no longer get my Kaiser to work where I live (and work).
I have made several calls to O2, in which they have admitted to "upgrading" my local transmitter a week last Friday. Since then, my Kaiser cannot make or receive calls (or use GPRS/3G etc) within about a couple of mile radius of my house. The display shows a very strong signal and (usually) the "H" or "3G" symbols.
O2 continue to say things like "your (Kaiser) phone is not compatible with the O2 network" and "you definitely have a defective phone". This is despite me pointing out that I have used the phone on their network since November and I can still use it everywhere else in this country.
As I work at home (for myself), my mobile phone is very important to me and I now have to remember to swap my SIM card into my old Nokia 6310i when I get back home.
So, I have no real alternative to switching away from O2 as they have refused to investigate the issue.
Does anyone have any bad news to tell me about reception in the Midlands on t-mobile (or any other network) before I take the plunge? Alternatively, is it really my fault that I am unable to use my Kaiser phone when I am at home?
You've got me worried now - I'm just about to jump from T-Mobile to O2 because of coverage problems! I didn't have any problems with O2 before, but then I never had a 3G phone before. I notice the free O2 sim deal has dried up - perhaps I should try a month's O2 sim-only deal to check coverage.
chuk

would you buy again the DIAMOND if you would'nt be able to use under 3G?

hi, that is the question.
Would you buy the DIAMOND again if you know you can't use the data transfer under the 3G technology??? is it worth the us$500 or eur450????
I dont really care about 3g when wifi is so readily available.
3g doesn't add any functionality to anything. its really nothing! ok, i waited 10 more seconds for some web page to load, but who cares! wifi is all over the place anyway. its way cooler stealing wifi then giving cell companys business! at the same time ill never buy a phone thats not 3g lol
for me 3G is essential as I use my Diamond extensively on Telstra's 850Mhz 3G network, and I can get far better coverage in regional parts of Australia. 3G is also essential for me as I use my Diamond as an external modem connected to my laptop. I could not imagine trying to use the internet at dialup speeds!! (or not at all due to lack of coverage)
Blazeitup123 said:
3g doesn't add any functionality to anything. its really nothing! ok, i waited 10 more seconds for some web page to load, but who cares! wifi is all over the place anyway. its way cooler stealing wifi then giving cell companys business! at the same time ill never buy a phone thats not 3g lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
3G is a masssive bonus, especially when dealing with moving large files or for video calls. web pages are not so important.
As for stealing WIFI i think there is a strong moral question about doing that, especially as there are still people who are charge by the amount of data they use. Would you pick their pockets?
Thankfully most of the wifi spots i see people are wise enough to use WPA encryption. But still some people are relying on nothing or just WEP
in france we are massively under H (or a 3.5g or 3g+) so we don't care about 3g it's only when we goes to foreign country... but funny things there is a lack of wifi spot here
I'd buy it (again - my Touch Pro that is) in a second.
We do have quite spread UMTS and not bad HSPA and even some hot spots, but all these are just things "outside" the device; and the device rulez.
3g great...but
must turn off where overseas
don't want a big bill waiting for when i get home
I don't much care for the 3G, it's a nice bonus but it's not the reason I bought the Diamond.
The Diamond is the perfect phone for me (especially after I found this place and was able to upgrade the software tremendously) and I would certainly buy it again.
My biggest complaint in that the screen is so easily scratched. I hate using screen protectors and never really had a problem with scratches on my previous touch screen (Treo 700wx) like I do now. But minor issues as far as I'm concerned. I definitley don't have a problem with the battery as many others do, as I've become quite accustomed to carrying spare batteries since I use my devices quite a bit.
Good phone, even better tech support (here). How can you go wrong?
3G is a must!!! Still waiting over here in the U.S.
hi
3g isn't a a must, if you want to brows the internet get a computer, but for some people who work out in the field and needs Internet service then sure 3G is fun, but other wise than browsing the Internet you don't really need it, but for someone who is one of those emo Internet people myspace youtube what not, that its for u.
The answer depends on where you live as well as what you use your phone for.
In UK (and most of Western Europe) we have very good 3G and even 3.5G networks that can give us mobile broadband at very good speeds - not up to best wired speeds but getting close. You can really notice the difference between that and slow old GPRS when downloading emails or surfing the real web (rather than just WAP).
On the other hand in the UK free wifi spots are few and far between - most require some sort of payment or subscription - Holiday Inn hotels for example want £15 per day, and Hilton are £10! And most private companies (and households like mine) that use wifi lock their access so you can't park outside and piggy back.
Because there has been so much investment in these new technologies they are being pushed hard by the phone companies and many contracts for phones now come with "free" bundled data access. My HTC comes with "unlimited" downloads (sunbject as always to a fair use policy that I have never got near).
I understand that in other parts of the world including the US the roll out of this sort of technology is less advanced, and so the arguments for having 3G are less convincing at the moment.
I would not have bought the Diamond without 3G. 3G(Hdspa) is an absolutley must!
/How do I change my country settings? I've changed it...
3g is the s**t lol
i gotta say once you use 3G (HSDPA) you will never go back, most if the time i don't even bother connecting to WIFI coz there is honestly hardly any speed difference if you have good reception (and i have unlimited data plan).
Luckily i live the the UK and with orange we have decent coverage and the speed is increasing over the next year of so
COLOMBIA
HI, i live in BOGOTA/COLOMBIA/SOUTH AMERICA
and here the mobile carrier use 850 band (3g) so that is why i am wondering if the diamond's worth the money if I can't use all the stuff on it, like the 3G speed...
Well I bought my Diamond (european version) not knowing that 3G wouldn't work in the US. Despite that, It was going in for some repairs at HTC America with Canada post and somehow, the phone got "lost" (yeah right).
So now, I'm getting back my insurance money and I will most probably buy another Diamond not taking into consideration weather 3G works or not.
Mrok said:
HI, i live in BOGOTA/COLOMBIA/SOUTH AMERICA
and here the mobile carrier use 850 band (3g) so that is why i am wondering if the diamond's worth the money if I can't use all the stuff on it, like the 3G speed...
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purchase a Telstra DIAM130 one from Australia and it will have 850Mhz 3G
3g or 2g
I'm in the camp of MUST have 3g, in AU with telstra and all prior htc phones have had 3g BUT I went and grabbed a Diamond 100 a while back BEFORE we all really knew about the different models being hardware (bands) different so long story short I've got 2g only and it sucks big time.
Reception outside of metro very average, data s l o w ..no video callls and
I live in the country area, even chucked my sim card into my wifes old motorola v3xx., Yea pink as well........
I am using the Diamond as I like the phone/features
I'm looking to buy a 3g Diamond or renew/upgrade my plan due next month.
Then the hardly used Diamond100 will hit ebay and thats it.
(Unless someone in AU is looking to swap as Diam100 works on Optus/Voda etc, but not telstra)
So if your provider is going to get compatible phones then wait, otherwise like driving a v8 in first gear.

Orange UK won't update SIM to 3G

I have an orange uk Dolphin 35 contract that I took out and got the original HTC Touch (2G)
I have now got a diamond that obvioulsly is 3G capable but Orange refuse to update my SIM card.
Has anybody else experienced something similar and did you get it fixed
You're not the only person I've heard say this. I remember reading a very similar thread on here a while ago. Good luck hope you manage to get it sorted.
What about instead of asking for a new Sim, you call tech support and make out you are unable to make a video call to a friend/family.
As you would require 3G to make video calls, they may suggest they update your sim.
sbonera said:
What about instead of asking for a new Sim, you call tech support and make out you are unable to make a video call to a friend/family.
As you would require 3G to make video calls, they may suggest they update your sim.
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Tried something similar - they just said you have a 2G contract so you can't!!!
did you really think the rom update would also update your SIM?????
i guess you didnt upgrade to the diamond through orange then... bought the diamond sim free?? would it not have been cheaper to u/g?
I don't think i mentioned upgradeing the rom - and no i don't think that a ROM upgrade would change my SIM.
no a ROM upgrade would not be cheaper - it cost me £40! And I cannot u/g until July.
So thank you for you helpful post!!!!
guess you have had it till july then.
if you took out a 2g contract thats what you get.
why should they upgrade you to 3g.that would cost them more.
It won't cost Orange anything to upgrade his SIM - data is data. They are just being awkward. I had the very same thing with O2 a couple of years ago so I called them and told them my sim was no longer working and they sent me a new one provisioned correctly for 3g. I'd be very surprised that if Orange sent you a new card that it wasn't provisioned for 3G.
orange are really awkward like that. just tell em your phone wont start, keeps asking you for a sim card even though there is already one in the phone. Blag it.
they did the same thing to me when i got a SE k608i years ago too.
of course it would cost more.
if hes got 3g he will download more.
Hi I work for orange and im afraid if you have a 2g phone registered to your account then orange will only supply you with a 2g sim card it doesn’t matter if you have purchased a 3g phone.
well said
people always seem to want something for nothing.
964rs777 said:
of course it would cost more.
if hes got 3g he will download more.
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You are talking rubbish!
If i download more i pay more - i dont have an unlimited contract! Orange don't do them (nit at a sensible price anyway)
964rs777 said:
well said
people always seam to want something for nothing.
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Ok!
I dont think I want anything for nothing! I have been with Orange for about 8 years! and always paid them quite a lot for the pleasure.
Orange Dolphin 35 is the same contract whether you have a 2G or 3G phone. No difference - same price. just because I didnt upgrade with them they won't do it and the only reason I didn't upgrade with them is because I committed to a 2 year contract and it is too early (how loyal am I - well not anymore!)
orange dont do them!!!
well in that case how come i have unlimited data contract with orange?
thought everyone with diamond had one.
guess its just tuff **** then lol.
just to make you even more sick i get 600 minutes,unlimited text,
unlimited data.got the phone free and got a sony psp free.
all for £35 a month.
sometimes you have just got to love orange.
964rs777 said:
orange dont do them!!!
well in that case how come i have unlimited data contract with orange?
thought everyone with diamond had one.
guess its just tuff **** then lol.
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What contract/bundle do you have (cost?)
Orange were offering unlimited data a couple of months ago on new contracts - I have unlimited data on my Dolphin 35, but they stopped it soon after.
If you're close to the end of your contract then just speak to retentions.
flykthewiz said:
What contract/bundle do you have (cost?)
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updated previous answer.
thought about it after lol.
Orange where offering the unlimited data on most talk plans in july. i must say they call it unlimited but it is subject to a 3gb limit a month.
I just got in with Orange's free unlimited download offer, as long as you had 18 month contract for £35 or more per month. I got Racoon 35. It is ridiculous and incredibly shortsighted of Orange to offer better terms to new customers than existing ones - reminds me of the Nationwide ads running at the moment on UK TV.
How long does your existing contract have left to run? Orange, like all of the other mobile providers in the UK, have a special team to encourage you to stay with them. That team are able to offer much better deals than any one else in the organisation in order to keep you.
I would phone Orange and then hit the Option for "thinking of leaving us", and speak to that team. Tell them you are so annoyed by this policy that the moment you can you are going to leave them. Sound like you really mean it but do not be rude or lose your temper - after all you want them on your side!
Remember that if you do leave in the UK you can ALWAYS move your existing phone number (I have moved mine 3 times now) to a new provider and you will get some very good SIM only deals from them all

Best Mobile Operator for the UK?

Well, i'm with T-Mobile and i've finally finished my contract. I've hated t-mobile ever since i started it. Terrible signal, terrible internet speeds, terrible customer service and terrible prices for upgrades. To upgrade to a Xperia X10 from my G1 (not upgrading though, as i have a Nexus) it would extend my contract, cost me an extra £10 a month (so up to £30!) AND the phone would cost me £290! I mean, i can get hold of the phone on its own for £230!
Basically, i cannot stand t-mobile any longer and i was wondering what operators you are all with and how happy you are with them.
My girlfriend's on Orange so i'm leaning towards them at the moment.
Cheers guys
I am also in the same boat but I think I have to choose Vodafone or 02, I believe they have the best mobile internet in the UK, been happy with t-mobile most the time but signal is non existent in my work place, think it's because they have the **** spectrum. So I can't see any improvement until the gov auctions off the better part but that won't be till 2011.
I left T-Mobile for O2 a few years ago and have not looked back. Orange are also good though - if I ever ran into an issue that prompted me to leave O2, I'd go to Orange.
O2 PAYG,quite good
get lots of free texts and minutes,plus 3g allowance for a month worth 7 quid
Just rang up and cancelled, meaning to do this for a while August last bill, might order a few free sims to test how the networks are.
I've been with T-Mobile for 15 years (since they were Mercury One2One). I haven't had too many problems, although I'm probably only still with them because I was getting a loyalty bonus.
One thing to bear in mind is that they are merging with Orange so we will be able to use their network, so it might be worth seeing what they will offer you in the way of reducing your bill if you stay with them, especially as you don't need a new handset.
I think also the data allowance is better on T-Mobile as well (I get 3GB), I think you generally get less with the other UK networks. Also roaming data is quite good (£10 for 50MB in EU).
Good point. I might ring up and threaten to cancel to see if i can get a good deal out of them
Thanks for your help everyone!
You'll find lots of people saying every network has the worst coverage and the worst customer server and the worst deals. The truth is...
Network Coverage:
All networks have pretty good coverage, except Three. They will roam you onto Orange as their 2g backup, and if you use 2g alot they will hassle you and posibly cut you off.
In my experience Orange have the worst overall coverage out of the 4 other networks.
Three and T-Mobile have a RAN sharing agreement which means they share 3g radio towers, so they curently have very good 3g coverage. Three are on a push to upgrade their 3g network so this can only help.
You're best bet is to find a friend with the network you're thinking of going to and check reception in the main places you will use it. Probably home and work. If you can't find a friend then go pick up a pay as you go sim for 1 pound and use that to check. You can actually get free sims from every network from their website too.
Every network has blackspots - some really bad, and this usually leads to some forum rant about how that particular network is total ****e, with another one 3 posts down about how that network's reception is amazing! It ultimatly depends where you live.
Worst customer service
Although some networks have been known to have totally terible customer services in the past (three), most have shaped up and are reasonably good. Like everything the experience goes up and down over the months, and todays amazing network is tommorows dog. If you had a reall bad experience with t-mobile then move (see next section), if only for your own sanity! Otherwise you'll probably have a short fuse every time you call them from now on.
Again ask friends etc about how they're finding customer service. Usually one or tworeally bad experience end up in rants on forums, and the worst stories always stick in the mind.
worst deals
Staying with the same network will never get you a great deal. Most networks have a ratio that the retentions team look at. It shows how much you use your phone and how much it has actually cost them. For example if you have 900 mins and make mostly t-mobile only calls you'll have a better ratio than others. They also look at how long you've been with them, how many months out of contract (before u took a new phone etc).
All these things means that _sometimes_ people get amazing deals, because the specific person you speak to decides you ar worth keeping no matter what. Typically tho you will end up calling customer services yourself and talk to a minion who spouts the standard deals and has only a marginal discount to offer.
Remember if you move network you will ALWAYS get a better deal. Look at all the new contract deals out there, even at places like phones4u. Dont every expect your network to match those, they wont. There may be the odd story about someone getting some amazing deal, but its rare.
Just get you PAC code and use it with a third party seller to get the best deal you can. And dont look back.
Interesting comments.
I've been with T-Mobile ever since I moved to the UK two years ago. My contract ran out a month or so ago and I was looking around if there are better operators. Everyone had something bad to say about all of them: O2, Vodafone, Orange, 3 - but no one said anything bad about T-Mobile. My experience was also quite good with them, so I stayed
I guess I should try other carriers just to see what kind of coverage and speeds they provide, but T-Mobile meets my needs fully, so I don't see any point to leave.

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