Another - Is my device compatible on the network. Query

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Dairyxox

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#166011 27-Feb-2015 16:34

So I brought a Lenovo A3500-HV tablet from PB Tech.

Before pulling the trigger, I asked the Salesman "Does this work on the Spark Network" and got the response yes it will.

Now I'm having difficulty, Tried 3x Different sim cards, and get No Service, or Emergency Calls only.

Where I'm getting confused is...
this link on GSM Arena says it supports "2G" GSM 850, but doesn't list 2100. Strange.
the box that it came in says: wwan: WCDMA
Haven't heard that term thrown around in a long time.

Am I missing something or is there an extra step/setting, 'Register on Network' or some such that I need to fiddle with?

Any advice from those who know would be appreciated.

corksta

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#1247920 27-Feb-2015 16:38

Spark has a 3G 850 aka WCDMA 850 network. If the device doesn't support that frequency it won't work.

3G 2100 is used as infill, so in certain places it might function, however it is infill only and effectively they just operate a 3G 850 network.

GSM 850 does not equal 3G/WCDMA 850.

Dairyxox

1594 posts

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#1247934 27-Feb-2015 16:53

Thanks, I'm still confused why its not working.

Pretty sure its not supporting the right technologies.

This website http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Lenovo-A3500-HV-Tab-A7-50Quad-core-7-3G-Tablet-PC-1280-800-GPS-Auto-focus/115593_1936348783.html

Lists these frequencies...

Network Support GSM 850/900/1800/1900, Edge/WCDMA 900/2100 3G WCDMA
From your post, Its obvious from the above that its missing Edge/WCDMA 850

wellygary

8312 posts

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#1247938 27-Feb-2015 17:04

Dairyxox: Edge/WCDMA 900/2100 3G WCDMA

900/2100 describes Vodafone's 3G network perfectly

mckenndk

911 posts

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#1247957 27-Feb-2015 17:21

Yep on the Lenovo Spec page there is no support for Spark 850 WCDMA network, will need to go into the Central City if you want to use Spark's 2100 WCDMA network

So what they have told you is true it will work on Sparks network but in very limited places.
I would take it back and complain.

http://shopap.lenovo.com/in/en/tablets/lenovo/a-series/a7-50/#tab-tech_specs

Stu

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#1247958 27-Feb-2015 17:23

As above, it's certainly not fit for purpose. You specifically stated it needs to work on the Spark network. If the specs you link to are correct (and it seems they are), it will work great with Vodafone and 2Degrees, but not Spark. I would take it back to them and point this out. Under the CGA they should take it back without question.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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BDFL - Memuneh
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#1247970 27-Feb-2015 17:28

Dairyxox:

Lists these frequencies...

Network Support GSM 850/900/1800/1900, Edge/WCDMA 900/2100 3G WCDMA
From your post, Its obvious from the above that its missing Edge/WCDMA 850

This is completely wrong... Edge is 2G, WCDMA is 3G and they are different beasts. It should read

GSM/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA 900/2100.

Either way it's not for Spark but for Vodafone/2degrees. Return it.

Dairyxox

1594 posts

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#1247971 27-Feb-2015 17:28

It was a business purchase so no CGA.

But hopefully they come to the party.

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freitasm

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#1247972 27-Feb-2015 17:30

You can still argue you bought it in good faith based on wrong information provided by staff.

Stu

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#1247974 27-Feb-2015 17:34

Still covered by the Fair Trading Act. They cannot misrepresent the features of a product.

People often mistake me for an adult because of my age.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

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Dairyxox

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#1247975 27-Feb-2015 17:35

Okay, thanks everyone who posted for your help.
I'll +1 you all.

This pretty much clarifies the whole issue. Thanks again. (This is why I like geekzone!).