Database Develop

[Q] Nexus One & Developer Phone

As my trusty ATT N1 soldiers on, I'm considering whether to jump to a new carrier in the near future so that I can stay current with upcoming Google Developer Phones. I would appreciate some feedback regarding the assumption that since the G1, Sapphire, and N1 were TMobile compliant, we can expect that the next Google Dev Phone might be exclusively flavored TMobile. Do you agree?
Thanks all.

We can assume sense they had a close relationship with Danger and now Google that they will stick with the same bands for Developer Phones. Just like we can only assume Google will stick with HTC for official Developer Phone hardware.
Again, this is only based on the past.

evilkorn said:
We can assume sense they had a close relationship with Danger and now Google that they will stick with the same bands for Developer Phones. Just like we can only assume Google will stick with HTC for official Developer Phone hardware.
Again, this is only based on the past.
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true...only if we can trust history. thanks for sharing your thoughts.

lpasq said:
true...only if we can trust history. thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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well history is all we have to go on.
one of the main reasons why T-mobile 3G bands have been used on the dev phones so far is because its the most compatible worldwide (ie works with the most carriers in the world, you can use them in the US, Canada and in Europe)
considering this its pretty likely to continue to stay this way. ATT 3G band is no where near as widely used and CDMA phones must be carrier specific (well they don't have to be really hardware wise but the way they work vs GSM phones its extremely dependant on the provider allowing you to use a phone that is not theirs on their network, it can be done but its a real pain to get them to do it)

Frito11 said:
...one of the main reasons why T-mobile 3G bands have been used on the dev phones so far is because its the most compatible worldwide (ie works with the most carriers in the world, you can use them in the US, Canada and in Europe)
considering this its pretty likely to continue to stay this way. ATT 3G band is no where near as widely used and CDMA phones must be carrier specific...
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understood

Article (theverge): Why the Nexus 4 does not have LTE or CDMA

http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/29/3569688/why-nexus-4-does-not-have-4g-lte
Pretty good article explaining why lte on a Nexus 4 doesn't make any sense for any potential whiners out there
Google wants direct control of the software on Nexus devices with no carrier intervention. That alone means Google can't sell an LTE device, as there's simply no access to LTE networks without working with carriers in one way or another: Verizon and Sprint's LTE networks still require compatibility with their 3G CDMA systems, and there's essentially no such thing as an unlocked CDMA device. AT&T's fledgling LTE network runs on different frequencies than other LTE networks around the world, so Google would have to build a custom phone for just 77 markets in the US. Doing that without AT&T's financial assistance makes little sense.
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Also it explains it pretty well why they didn't make the same mistake by going CDMA like they did on the Galaxy Nexus.
And there's precious little to suggest working with carriers is even in Google's best interests, or in the best interests of Nexus customers. The Galaxy Nexus was announced last year with a promised LTE version on Verizon, but the carrier held back releasing the phone for months to promote its own Droid RAZR instead. Google eventually grew tired of waiting and sent unlocked HSPA+ devices to reviewers. And software updates for Nexus phones sold through carriers have been problematic as well: it took the Verizon three full months to disseminate the Android 4.1 Jelly Bean update to its Galaxy Nexus, slightly longer than Sprint.
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All accurate, a good summary.
With its pricing of the Nexus 4 and lack of LTE, Google is quite clearly giving US carriers the finger. I wouldn't be terribly surprised if a CDMA/LTE version appeared for Verizon and Sprint, but LTE doesn't really matter that much if you get decent 3G/3.5G/HSPA+ whatever you want to call it (i.e., not Verizon or Sprint 3G).
Really, anything over a few Mbps is enough for me...but I know other people use their phones differently.

Why I'm glad there isn't a CDMA variant

Alright so I've been looking around on various Android forums and people seem to be very upset that there is no CDMA variant of the Nexus 4 announced so far. Coming from the Sprint/Verizon Galaxy Nexus, I am glad that they're not bothering this time around because CDMA goes against what the Nexus brand stands for, openness.
These carriers are very self-contained. You can only purchase phones to use on their network from them. Want a unlocked phone? You're out of luck BUT you can purchase the phone from their website off contract or you can go and get one from eBay or Craigslist. Because of this, the carriers have manufacturers by the balls, especially when it comes to updating phones. Want to get an update? You'll have to wait until these carriers "inspect" the update to ensure that it is not "harmful to the network" and all that PR crap they go on and on about.
Anyways, CDMA would mean that Google/LG would have to make a 4G LTE variant since these carriers only sell 4G phones now and Google doesn't seem too happy about how the CDMA variants of the GNex turned out last time. The updates were untimely to say the absolute least and the battery life was horrendous. I'm sure that the guys at Google had one hell of a time disputing against the crapware that Verizon/Sprint wanted to put on their phones so they could get a quick buck from Blockbuster and whatever other useless advertisements and applications they put on there now days.
If you want a Nexus phone, jump over to another carrier. I'm finally going over to T-Mobile and I'm getting unlimited data/text and a hundred minutes (which won't be used because I use GrooVe for voice over data/WiFi) for $30 a month. The entire move is going to cost me less than $400 and I'm sure you all have phones that you could sell to get over here. It really is the better move and the HSPA+ is amazingly fast without the battery drain.

My only option for a carrier is Verizon or sprint. At&t and T-Mobile only have gprs where my grandparents live, and I need internet for work. I'm upset there isn't a CDMA variant.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium

I'm pretty excited about making the move to GSM and prepaid service. Any smartphone I've ever had was either Sprint and now Verizon. I can't even get an hour and a half of on-screen time with my Verizon gnex. It'll constantly switch from 3g to LTE and most of the time get stuck in the middle, looking for signal and draining the battery, it's horrendous.

I'm glad that there isn't a CDMA variant because CDMA is dead-end technology, and anything that brings about its demise sooner is a good thing IMO. Whatever the original technical merits were that CDMA held over GSM have pretty much become nonexistent as I understand it, and you give up the huge advantage of being able to easily switch carriers without purchasing a new phone. Anyone who's spent time outside the US and in an open GSM phone system knows how nice it is to be able to switch carriers at will.
But also Google's rationale for not including LTE makes a lot more sense with no CDMA variant. As the OP mentioned, a CDMA variant would absolutely HAVE to have LTE. Verizon's EV-DO network is still Rev. A, right? That's disgustingly slow in today's day and age, and while it makes sense that the CDMA carriers would have skipped over later revisions of EV-DO and go straight to LTE, it also means they're in an "LTE or bust" situation right now. GSM networks have a much better upgrade path, and 42mbps HSPA+ is more than fast enough for just about anything you'd want to do on a phone.
Personally I'm happy with the decision, because as a GSM user I see no need to frantically jump on the LTE bandwagon. I'd much rather take better battery life and a lower phone cost than have a transmission standard that is overkill for the vast majority of phone applications forced down my throat.

You all don't remember that GSM Nexus devices always come out first. CDMA phones will most likely come out months later, and with higher storage to generate buzz. Google knows better than to shut out ~20 million subscribers.
I'm pretty confident they are offering such low priced unlocked phones to try and get as many people into their ecosystem as possible. Ignoring CDMA users is not consistent with that, so just like before, it'll likely be 1 to 5 months before we see 32gb CDMA phones later on.

disynthetic said:
You all don't remember that GSM Nexus devices always come out first. CDMA phones will most likely come out months later, and with higher storage to generate buzz. Google knows better than to shut out ~20 million subscribers.
I'm pretty confident they are offering such low priced unlocked phones to try and get as many people into their ecosystem as possible. Ignoring CDMA users is not consistent with that, so just like before, it'll likely be 1 to 5 months before we see 32gb CDMA phones later on.
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While I get where you're coming from, I completely disagree. Of course, I'm with a GSM carrier (and always have been), so I couldn't care less if they come out with a CDMA Nexus 4. Then again, I'm one of those people that don't believe the Galaxy Nexus offered by Verizon and Sprint was an actual Nexus device. If a phone's updates are coming from a carrier and not straight from Google...that's not a true Nexus and, frankly, you get what you deserve for thinking it is (in general terms...I'm not talking about you specifically).
I think all the reasons listed earlier are correct. I think Google got a bad taste in their mouths from having the carriers (re: Verizon and Sprint) dictate to them what they were going to do instead of the other way around. I also agree that CDMA is a dying technology and I'm also all for anything that bring that about faster. Wireless companies in the US need to get their #[email protected]% together and agree on a standard. All this GSM/CDMA/LTE crap is just confusing to consumers (not to me, but to uneducated consumers).
I firmly believe, though, that if you want a Nexus phone you need to get with a GSM carrier. Period. If by some miracle Google does release a CDMA version of the Nexus 4 later, I'll still believe you don't have a "true" Nexus phone. Only when the carriers have their hands off the updates can you actually make me believe a CDMA Nexus is a "real" Nexus.

I've been looking at the pre paid services but I have two lines since I pay for my mothers phone.
With the 1000 minute family plans it ends up making more sense for me to go that route since I'd get 2 free galaxy S2's.. One for her and I'd sell the other + my Sprint Galaxy s2 on eBay for my N4...
Very excited about moving back to T-mob after being on Sprint with **** service in my area for almost a year.

Please use the rant thread here or post in one of the review threads.
General section is for news/tips/tricks/guides/etc, not really for everybody to create a new thread every time they have a thought on this and that.
Closed

Wold you upgrade to a Nexus 6?

The LG G2 is basically a better Nexus 5. I've been looking at the Nexus 6 (and G3) and honestly the G2 is still pretty fast and does everything I need, plus it has unlocked bootloader exploit which is a huge plus.
The only question is, will we get a stable L rom? Will Verizon give us an update, and how long will it take CM/AOSP?

If Verizon actually gets the Nexus 6, I would seriously consider getting it. I still love my g2 though.
Thanks Devs, from my LG G2

Nope, not happening... 5.9" display is just too big. The G2 with a 5.2" is at about the max I can handle with one hand, and I use my phone almost exclusively one-handed. I actually passed on a OnePlus One because of size, going to the N6 is just too big.

I am hoping the playstore version has VOLTE support so we can avoid the Verizon branded Nexus. As long as the device supports VOLTE we can use it on the VZW network, thanks to the 700mhz specturm that VZW uses for its LTE. I'm sure Verizon will try to find some BS loophole to try to exploit to maintain their control. Back on topic... I definitely get the Nexus 6 as I am Nexus fanboy!

Moto is and has been known for their crappy cameras. Even the new Moto X is crappy especially considering that it is a late 2014 device. The Nexus line is and always has been known for using crappy cameras, even the Nexus 5 took a step back from the G2. Put the two together and I wont touch the Nexus 6.

I am considering going to the n5 to be honest the price will go down and if they release a 6 in phone I feel they will keep the n5 around for a bit.
Finally ready to ditch Verizon and move on to a company that will let me text and call from my house. I was thinking the droid turbo because moto apparently has the best radios but idk

ricecake2000 said:
I am considering going to the n5 to be honest the price will go down and if they release a 6 in phone I feel they will keep the n5 around for a bit.
Finally ready to ditch Verizon and move on to a company that will let me text and call from my house. I was thinking the droid turbo because moto apparently has the best radios but idk
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Google has already stopped making the N5 I believe.
I am also considering the Droid Turbo, it has a huge battery + Moto radios, but they have locked bootloaders.

zetsumeikuro said:
I am hoping the playstore version has VOLTE support so we can avoid the Verizon branded Nexus. As long as the device supports VOLTE we can use it on the VZW network, thanks to the 700mhz specturm that VZW uses for its LTE. I'm sure Verizon will try to find some BS loophole to try to exploit to maintain their control. Back on topic... I definitely get the Nexus 6 as I am Nexus fanboy!
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I think they are locking it down via your account. Although I guess anyone could turn it on. For the LG G2 you needed an update and you had to go into your account to turn it on. Doesn't makes sense why you would have to do that, I think its just one more point of control maybe to exclude devices. Maybe that is the loophole in the 700 Mhz block rules.
Maybe they are requiring some kind of special software that the device manufacturer or google will have to implement to get it to work? I think they are going to do anything they can to exclude devices they don't approve.

I'm on Verizon now with a HTC one m7. I'm not upgrading but I will be buying a nexus 6 and switching from Verizon.
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

ECrispy said:
Google has already stopped making the N5 I believe.
I am also considering the Droid Turbo, it has a huge battery + Moto radios, but they have locked bootloaders.
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I have had a few droid phones in the past and they apparently had locked bootloaders but devs usually find a way around it.

If Verizon gets the Nexus 6, it's very likely that it will be my next phone. I have a Nexus 7 (2013) and love it. I think with a Nexus 6, we could possibly get Multi-ROM, which would be amazing. I'd love the ability to test drive new ROMs without going through the whole backup/restore process. I think the only things I might miss would be knock-on (easily fixed with a custom kernel, of course) and the IR blaster. I actually do use it.
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Free mobile app

I love the IR blaster and KnockOn. I'm not sure if the Nexus 6 will support the CDMA bands and such. Being limited to just VOLTE 700mhz is sucky. What about 3G and such?
5.9" is too big. I passed on the Note 3 for the G2 because I travel often for work and require being able to comfortably dial/text/email/facebook using one hand while I drive/eat/fiddle with the radio (lol).
I really love my G2 but I fear that all future next gen devices will be ~6.0"

player911 said:
I love the IR blaster and KnockOn. I'm not sure if the Nexus 6 will support the CDMA bands and such. Being limited to just VOLTE 700mhz is sucky. What about 3G and such?
5.9" is too big. I passed on the Note 3 for the G2 because I travel often for work and require being able to comfortably dial/text/email/facebook using one hand while I drive/eat/fiddle with the radio (lol).
I really love my G2 but I fear that all future next gen devices will be ~6.0"
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I'm pretty sure the play edition N6 won't support CDMA unless Google has changed its stance on the matter. Either we will have Verizon release another "Nexus" device for us that officially will always be behind. Or we will just have to stick with the play edition N6 and anyone that doesn't have LTE in their area is SOL. But as of now Verizon's LTE footprint is supposidly just as large as the 3G/1x footprint so I would imagine there wouldn't be too many issues.
---------- Post added at 06:35 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:31 AM ----------
Character Zero said:
I think they are locking it down via your account. Although I guess anyone could turn it on. For the LG G2 you needed an update and you had to go into your account to turn it on. Doesn't makes sense why you would have to do that, I think its just one more point of control maybe to exclude devices. Maybe that is the loophole in the 700 Mhz block rules.
Maybe they are requiring some kind of special software that the device manufacturer or google will have to implement to get it to work? I think they are going to do anything they can to exclude devices they don't approve.
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Once you active voice over LTE via the website that is all you have to do. Stock LG roms have the ability to switch voice over LTE on, not too sure if any CM/AOSP based have the ability to do so yet. You don't need the crappy Verizon software the advanced calling 1.0 or whatever to use voice over LTE. I'm pretty sure either it will be enabled by default in future devices as VOLTE becomes more popular.

I just hope it works with lte from metro pcs or other mvno carriers. I'm actually leaving Verizon for this phone.
Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

zetsumeikuro said:
Once you active voice over LTE via the website that is all you have to do. Stock LG roms have the ability to switch voice over LTE on, not too sure if any CM/AOSP based have the ability to do so yet. You don't need the crappy Verizon software the advanced calling 1.0 or whatever to use voice over LTE. I'm pretty sure either it will be enabled by default in future devices as VOLTE becomes more popular.
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Cool, which ones? I has on a LG G3 ROM on my G2 but went back to a Verizon Stock -based one to get VoLTE. I would love to go back to the G3 ROM if I was still able to have VoLTE.

I'm not sure if G3 ROMs have it or not. I know xdabbeb's ROM has it and the stock Verizon 25B and 26A have it.

zetsumeikuro said:
I'm not sure if G3 ROMs have it or not. I know xdabbeb's ROM has it and the stock Verizon 25B and 26A have it.
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Yes those are Verizon stock ROMs. Not just a LG G2 stock ROM. Verizon had to push a software update to enable VoLTE. They controlled the feature.

I'm pretty sure any ROM can eventually have the option to enable VoLTE. Once activated on the site we very well could be accessing VoLTE without being on Verizon software. I haven't seen much clarification on this, eventually someone will chime in.

zetsumeikuro said:
I'm pretty sure any ROM can eventually have the option to enable VoLTE. Once activated on the site we very well could be accessing VoLTE without being on Verizon software. I haven't seen much clarification on this, eventually someone will chime in.
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All I was saying is that right now Verizon holds the keys to the VoLTE kingdom as I see it. They require a change on your account, which I assume shows up no matter what. But the key is the software update that is coming from Verizon. It remains to be seen if manufacturer updates or Nexus Google updates will be able to have the same update, or if there was something unique to Verizon in that update. I wouldn't put it past Verizon to have something special in the update even if it goes against the FCC rules for the LTE spectrum. I would bet that Verizon is going to have to be told they have to allow any LTE device on the network. Look at the Nexus 7 issue, IIRC, if you already had a Sim you could pop it in, but they lagged on getting it "in their system" for it to be put on LTE with a new Sim. Its something that shouldn't even have to be "in a system". You should be able to get a data LTE sim for whatever you want.

I get what you're saying and I agree that Verizon will try to pull some BS. We could very well be using the feature on AOSP/ non vzw ROMs without knowing (doubtful) as long as we enabled the provisioning online. Let's just hope that Verizon doesn't try to pull some stupid bs loophole and let us use any unlocked LTE device that supports the band.

no data cm13

I've been running cm13 for a couple of days now without major issues. Yesterday it randomly dropped lte and it hasn't returned...
I tried clearing cache and dalvik, prl and profile updates, re-flashing the system and still nothing. I thought the sim might be bad but i flashed a stock based rom and data worked on it... Signalcheck says "unregistered" for data status which originally made me think sim card. And i don't think it's the version of nightly because it worked for like 20 hours straight... I just flashed the newest nightly and still nothing. Any ideas?

I'm on sprint btw

reinaldistic said:
I'm on sprint btw
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Don't use Sprint, because I am in NL. But after flashing rom's I delete stuff we don't use/need.
A.o. Sprint, Verizon and Project Fi stuff.
So possibly you need a stock rom instead of CM.

NLBeev said:
Don't use Sprint, because I am in NL. But after flashing rom's I delete stuff we don't use/need.
A.o. Sprint, Verizon and Project Fi stuff.
So possibly you need a stock rom instead of CM.
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Are you saying you are the dev for cm13 on nexus and refuse to support 2 of the 5 only US carriers?

reinaldistic said:
Are you saying you are the dev for cm13 on nexus and refuse to support 2 of the 5 only US carriers?
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Many people dont support those 2 carriers. This is due to them having to use closed sourced files for their devices as CDMA is an oput dated network that still uses alot of closed sourced stuff for the phone.
This is the same reason those carriers normally dont carry or allow nexus devices on their network.

zelendel said:
Many people dont support those 2 carriers. This is due to them having to use closed sourced files for their devices as CDMA is an oput dated network that still uses alot of closed sourced stuff for the phone.
This is the same reason those carriers normally dont carry or allow nexus devices on their network.
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In that case it would be great if cyanogenmod said that those carriers aren't supported on either their website or thread or... Anywhere really

reinaldistic said:
In that case it would be great if cyanogenmod said that those carriers aren't supported on either their website or thread or... Anywhere really
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It all really depends on the maintainer. Also most over look it as for a long time no one worked with cdma devices. Even xda was mostly GSM devices.
It's really common knowledge that cdma carriers have issues with nexus devices. Even aosp doesn't really support cdma. Not completely anyway.

zelendel said:
It all really depends on the maintainer. Also most over look it as for a long time no one worked with cdma devices. Even xda was mostly GSM devices.
It's really common knowledge that cdma carriers have issues with nexus devices. Even aosp doesn't really support cdma. Not completely anyway.
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Common knowledge?! I've been on XDA for over 4 years and never have i seen oversight like this... Granted the nexus 6 is the first GSM+CDMA device I've had, but this "common knowledge" should be stated on their site so that the 50% of USA users who use CDMA carriers don't waste their time with ROMs from DEVS who dont think 200 MILLION USA CDMA subscribers are worth their time. If Cyanogenmod isn't going to cater to costumers of, Sprint the most accessible unlimited carrier in the US, which has done every effort to keep their closed source network as accessible to manufacturers as possible making a non-branded or bloated nexus in their lineup for 2 years in a row, nor is it going to cater to costumers of Verizon, the most widely available, most reliable, best coverage albeit most closed and expensive carrier there is, THEN they should post in their site that they will not cater to the 50% of US market so we can look elsewhere for our community needs.
Furthermore if you're not involved with development of Cyanogenmod (i don't know if you are or not) you shouldn't be trying to speak on their behalf if you don't know the facts. They might be working to fix the issue.
Also this closed source stuff doesn't really apply when my issue is LTE which is open source and a standard.

reinaldistic said:
Common knowledge?! I've been on XDA for over 4 years and never have i seen oversight like this... Granted the nexus 6 is the first GSM+CDMA device I've had, but this "common knowledge" should be stated on their site so that the 50% of USA users who use CDMA carriers don't waste their time with ROMs from DEVS who dont think 200 MILLION USA CDMA subscribers are worth their time. If Cyanogenmod isn't going to cater to costumers of, Sprint the most accessible unlimited carrier in the US, which has done every effort to keep their closed source network as accessible to manufacturers as possible making a non-branded or bloated nexus in their lineup for 2 years in a row, nor is it going to cater to costumers of Verizon, the most widely available, most reliable, best coverage albeit most closed and expensive carrier there is, THEN they should post in their site that they will not cater to the 50% of US market so we can look elsewhere for our community needs.
Furthermore if you're not involved with development of Cyanogenmod (i don't know if you are or not) you shouldn't be trying to speak on their behalf if you don't know the facts. They might be working to fix the issue.
Also this closed source stuff doesn't really apply when my issue is LTE which is open source and a standard.
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You have never seen any of the articles on why sprint or Verizon didn't carry the nexus device?
Never seen many of the posts about Verizon refusing to activate nexus devices on their network?
Sprint to be honest is the bottom of the pile when it comes to networks.
As for CM. No I don't work for them nor would I ever work for them. They are a joke. Just look back how they bricked a bunch of nexus 6 devices by not testing code. They have stated many times why cdma are not really supported. Not to mention most of them don't use cdma.
As for what I know. I know aosp (which roms are based off of) do not support cdma. That is the biggest issue. Can't have an aosp based rom with closed sourced parts. Just look at all the devices they have released with cm as the main os. All of them are GSM. Which most of the world uses. Very few still use the old cdma system.

zelendel said:
You have never seen any of the articles on why sprint or Verizon didn't carry the nexus device?
Never seen many of the posts about Verizon refusing to activate nexus devices on their network?
Sprint to be honest is the bottom of the pile when it comes to networks.
As for CM. No I don't work for them nor would I ever work for them. They are a joke. Just look back how they bricked a bunch of nexus 6 devices by not testing code. They have stated many times why cdma are not really supported. Not to mention most of them don't use cdma.
As for what I know. I know aosp (which roms are based off of) do not support cdma. That is the biggest issue. Can't have an aosp based rom with closed sourced parts. Just look at all the devices they have released with cm as the main os. All of them are GSM. Which most of the world uses. Very few still use the old cdma system.
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I have seen the posts about verizon and i hate verizon too anywho, sprint tries their best, and to be honest i think they want to make their stuff open source but it's qualcom's IP ultimately. i like sprint coz i get unlimited for the cheapest price point out of a tower owning operator AND until recently they were the only ones not throttling their unlimited plans. i can see why AOSP wouldn't support CDMA an OPEN SOURCE project wouldnt play well with closed source stuff, but throught the years i've never had problems with CM on my SPRINT devices. i guess i'll go to a stock based rom until they can figure their poop out over at CM.