Geekzone: technology news, blogs, forums
Guest
Welcome Guest.
You haven't logged in yet. If you don't have an account you can register now.


Forums › Spark New Zealand › Another - Is my device compatible on the network. Query


1432 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 375


Topic # 166011 27-Feb-2015 16:34
Send private message

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.

Filter this topic showing only the reply marked as answer Create new topic
2087 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 220

Trusted
Subscriber

  Reply # 1247920 27-Feb-2015 16:38
One person supports this post
Send private message

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.




MacBook Pro 13" w/ Touch Bar (Early 2017) | iPad Pro 10.5 Wi-Fi 128GB (Space Grey) | iPhone 8 Plus 64GB (Product RED) | HomePod (Space Grey) | Apple TV 4K | Apple TV (4th Generation) | Apple Watch Series 3 42mm (Space Grey)



1432 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 375


  Reply # 1247934 27-Feb-2015 16:53
Send private message

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

 
 
 
 


3504 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 985


  Reply # 1247938 27-Feb-2015 17:04
One person supports this post
Send private message

Dairyxox: Edge/WCDMA 900/2100 3G WCDMA

 

900/2100 describes Vodafone's 3G network perfectly

893 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 32


  Reply # 1247957 27-Feb-2015 17:21
2 people support this post
Send private message

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

Hammered
5093 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1073

Moderator
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  Reply # 1247958 27-Feb-2015 17:23
2 people support this post
Send private message

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.




Keep calm, and carry on posting.

 

 

 

Click to see full size Click to see full size

BDFL - Memuneh
61746 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12406

Administrator
Trusted
Geekzone
Lifetime subscriber

  Reply # 1247970 27-Feb-2015 17:28
One person supports this post
Send private message

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.




Backblaze cloud backup (personal and business) | Geekzone broadband switch | Amazon (Geekzone aff) | MightyApe (Geekzone aff) | 

 

My technology disclosure | Business Transformation | Enterprise Content Management | Customer Relationship Management | Sharesies investment fund



1432 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 375


  Reply # 1247971 27-Feb-2015 17:28
Send private message

It was a business purchase so no CGA.

But hopefully they come to the party.

BDFL - Memuneh
61746 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 12406

Administrator
Trusted
Geekzone
Lifetime subscriber

  Reply # 1247972 27-Feb-2015 17:30
One person supports this post
Send private message

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




Backblaze cloud backup (personal and business) | Geekzone broadband switch | Amazon (Geekzone aff) | MightyApe (Geekzone aff) | 

 

My technology disclosure | Business Transformation | Enterprise Content Management | Customer Relationship Management | Sharesies investment fund

Stu

Hammered
5093 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1073

Moderator
Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  Reply # 1247974 27-Feb-2015 17:34
One person supports this post
Send private message

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




Keep calm, and carry on posting.

 

 

 

Click to see full size Click to see full size



1432 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 375


  Reply # 1247975 27-Feb-2015 17:35
Send private message

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!).

Filter this topic showing only the reply marked as answer Create new topic



Twitter »

Follow us to receive Twitter updates when new discussions are posted in our forums:



Follow us to receive Twitter updates when news items and blogs are posted in our frontpage:



Follow us to receive Twitter updates when tech item prices are listed in our price comparison site:



Geekzone Live »

Try automatic live updates from Geekzone directly in your browser, without refreshing the page, with Geekzone Live now.


Updates »

Are you subscribed to our RSS feed? You can download the latest headlines and summaries from our stories directly to your computer or smartphone by using a feed reader.

Alternatively, you can receive a daily email with Geekzone updates.