Importing Phones

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mnkey

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#38068 23-Jul-2009 19:26

I am aware that there are topics on importing phones. These aren't recent and I'm not sure if they actually cover the information I want to find out.

I'm looking to import a phone for use on the XT network, specifically an HTC Touch Pro, or a Sony XPERIA the main reason for this is my disappointment with the new XT phones, not the fact that it would be cheaper.

If I were to purchase this phone:
Ebay Link

(Sorry If links aren't allowed)

Would this work on the XT network with an ordinary sim card?

Would this operate in the exact same way that a phone I purchased from telecom would?

Would there be any lack of functionality?

Basically, would it be worth my trouble, or would the disadvantages outweigh the positives.

I really want a phone of this nature, since anything else would be a step downwards for me.

Thanks.

freitasm

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#238405 23-Jul-2009 19:31

First you have to make sure it's unlocked. Most US operators lock their phones.

Second, while you won't have loss of functionality, what you will have is a heavily customised device, with AT&T software and features all over.

If it is like an AT&T device I have here, even the connections are locked - you will need a registry editor to unlock them, and some other tweaks to remove the AT&T branding.

Of course someone here will say "you can just install a cooked ROM" - in which case it's up to you being comfortable with updating the device yourself.

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allstarnz

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#238426 23-Jul-2009 21:13

i imported an unlocked Nokia E51 from eBay Australia, which had Telstra branding, as well as their customised software on it. With a bit of help from Google, and crossing my fingers, I managed to make it more generic (I had to change stuff on the phone for it to accept generic software).

It seems to work fine with Vodafone, I can access pretty much everything I want to. In the brief time I tested it with XT, also seemed to behave.

Like anything from an auction site, or any unofficial channel, it is always buyer beware.

NZCoderGuy

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#238428 23-Jul-2009 21:17

I did notice on the Ebay link it states "This phone is currently locked to the AT&T network but we will send you the FREE unlock code if you request to use it with any other GSM network WorldWide.
Once unlocked you can use with AT&T, T-Mobile, Rogers, Fido, Vodafone, Orange, O2, BT, Movistar and hundreds more."

Yes it is locked, but they promise they will send the unlock code for the phone.. you'd be really stuck if that doesnt happen..

--
Stephen
twitter/ NZCoderGuy / KiwiDevStudios

hbk

94 posts

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#238433 23-Jul-2009 21:26

A quick semi related question; will 3G 850mhz only (or 850/1900 from the US) phones work NZ wide on XT? I read that some cities have 2100mhz, but are those areas also covered by 850mhz?

Also, is the Telstra Next G network 850mhz nationwide or is it 2100mhz in some parts?

mnkey; I found http://www.gsmarena.com/search.php3 a good starting point to look for phones that might work here.

freitasm

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#238440 23-Jul-2009 21:34

hbk: A quick semi related question; will 3G 850mhz only (or 850/1900 from the US) phones work NZ wide on XT? I read that some cities have 2100mhz, but are those areas also covered by 850mhz?

Also, is the Telstra Next G network 850mhz nationwide or is it 2100mhz in some parts?

This has been answered too many times...

Telecom XT Network is 850MHz WCDMA everywhere. They have some 2100 MHz cellsites for infill only. Those 2100 MHz sites are not primary sites, so wherever you have XT coverage IT WILL BE 850 MHz.

Any 2100 MHz site is in addition to their 850 MHz sites.

Do not buy a handset to use on XT if it is only 2100 MHz because you will have spotty and bad service coverage.

One more time: if you buy a handset to use on XT and it is only 2100 MHz then you will have spotty and bad service coverage.

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Tohe

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#238505 24-Jul-2009 08:04

hbk: Also, is the Telstra Next G network 850mhz nationwide or is it 2100mhz in some parts?

The Australian Telstra Next G network is only 850mhz.
If you were to purchase a handset from ebay.com.au that is designed for the Next G network, you would be able to use the XT network here without any issues (provided the handset is not network locked).

Also, you will find that Telstra Next G handset will not be any where near as "customised" as AT&T handsets from the US.

I'm actually considering this myself as my partner wants a Nokia N95 and all the ones sold here are not XT compaible, however Nokia made a Telstra Next G compatible version for the Australian market (Warranty & service is not an issue with us).

Mighty Ape

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hbk

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#238514 24-Jul-2009 08:30

Tohe:
hbk: Also, is the Telstra Next G network 850mhz nationwide or is it 2100mhz in some parts?

The Australian Telstra Next G network is only 850mhz.
If you were to purchase a handset from ebay.com.au that is designed for the Next G network, you would be able to use the XT network here without any issues (provided the handset is not network locked).

Also, you will find that Telstra Next G handset will not be any where near as "customised" as AT&T handsets from the US.

I'm actually considering this myself as my partner wants a Nokia N95 and all the ones sold here are not XT compaible, however Nokia made a Telstra Next G compatible version for the Australian market (Warranty & service is not an issue with us).

Cheers that was my line of thinking when I asked.