Vodafone 3G vs. XT and how to buy a cellphone questions

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ahmad

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# 38180 24-Jul-2009 20:15

Could someone please explain to me the basics of our mobile networks?

I understand that XT is a "pure 3G" network, and I believe it runs primarily on the 850Mhz band, but has 2100Mhz coverage in some areas (main 3 cities?).

Is the 850 or the 2100 actually better than the other? Does either have advantages/disadvantages?

I believe that the Vodafone 3G network runs on 2100, while the 2G GSM network runs on 900. Are there any other frequencies that the 3G network runs on?

If Vodafone runs 3G on 2 frequency bands, are the qualities/pros/cons the same as for XT's 850/2100?

If I have an iPhone 3G, what bands does it run on for 3G? Will it run just as well on both networks? Or will it run "better" on one network due to the bands that it works on?

Thanks!

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# 238741 24-Jul-2009 20:20

ahmad: I understand that XT is a "pure 3G" network, and I believe it runs primarily on the 850Mhz band, but has 2100Mhz coverage in some areas (main 3 cities?).

Correct.

ahmad: Is the 850 or the 2100 actually better than the other? Does either have advantages/disadvantages?

850MHz has better characteristics.

ahmad: I believe that the Vodafone 3G network runs on 2100, while the 2G GSM network runs on 900. Are there any other frequencies that the 3G network runs on?

Vodafone runs a 3G service in two bands: 2100 and 900. The company also runs a 2G service in 900. 2G and 3G are in effect two distinct networks.

ahmad: If Vodafone runs 3G on 2 frequency bands, are the qualities/pros/cons the same as for XT's 850/2100?

Pretty much.

ahmad: If I have an iPhone 3G, what bands does it run on for 3G? Will it run just as well on both networks? Or will it run "better" on one network due to the bands that it works on?

The iPhone 3G works on 850 and 2100. It won't work on Vodafone's 900 3G. So:

1.The iPhone will have 3G service in 100% of XT Network
2.The iPhone will have 3G service wherever Vodafone offer 2100 service (which is currently the main centres plus other locations)
3.The iPhone will work if 2G is available but will of course have mobile data at GPRS speeds (i.e. very close to dialup)
4.The iPhone will not work on Vodafone 3G 900 at all.

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ahmad

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# 238893 25-Jul-2009 14:52

Thanks Mauricio!! That's brilliant. And yes I had read your blog post before posting which was also helpful.

Final question which doesn't really affect me as an ardent iPhone user, but will help others including a friend that is looking to buy a phone:

Do many phones exist that would run 3G on 850, 900, AND 2100?

This would essentially be the "ideal multi-band setup" for a phone in NZ to allow free "carrier-hopping" wouldn't it?

bjhoogs

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# 238910 25-Jul-2009 15:54

There are none

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=40&topicid=36274

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# 238913 25-Jul-2009 16:19

ahmad: Do many phones exist that would run 3G on 850, 900, AND 2100?

Currently there are no 3G phones doing this. Remember when buying a phone for XT you are looking fro 3G 850 MHz. XT does not have 2G (GSM) network.

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richms

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# 239073 26-Jul-2009 13:33

If you have an iPhone, go on XT - positive comments from everyone I know who has changed over.

Richard rich.ms

ahmad

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# 239076 26-Jul-2009 13:43

richms: If you have an iPhone, go on XT - positive comments from everyone I know who has changed over.

I'm very close to making the switch. Just waiting for 2 Degrees to declare their hand. It would be silly for me to make a commitment this close to an annoucement/launch from 2 Degrees.

$18 (acutally $14.50) per month for 240Mb per month is acceptable to me, as is $6 ($4.50) for 150 TXTs.

Still unsure how I'm going to manage the off-net charges from the rest of my family/friends though.

Hopefully 2 Degrees actually delivers, and I will gladly sacrifice the XT speed in exchange for cheaper usage, and would be able to bring family on VF across with a GSM SIM card change.

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# 239077 26-Jul-2009 13:46

2degrees will have edge, which from what I have been told from people that have used it in the US is quite acceptable for most things that you do on the iphone - thats why they get away with turning 3g off over there since apparantly 3g coverage over there is nothing like here. Even 2g coverage in the states is junk compared to here.

Richard rich.ms