HTC Desire from Japan, ok in NZ?

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gac

3 posts

Wannabe Geek

# 64896 25-Jul-2010 01:27

Hi there. Newbie here. I'm really a total newbie as regards these smartphones so a little help would be appreciated.

I'm currently living in Japan but will be returning to NZ in a year or so. I'm thinking of investing in an HTC Desire to use here for the next year. Will there be any issues with hooking it up to one of the providers back in NZ?

Maybe I should just email telecom with this question, but anyone's advice would be great, cheers.? :)

heavenlywild

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# 355961 25-Jul-2010 01:35

You will have no problems on either the XT or Vodafone network. In terms of 3G coverage, XT is better. You may want to consider buying the Desire that's compatible to XT's 3G frequency of 850MHz and 2100MHz.

gac

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Wannabe Geek

# 355963 25-Jul-2010 01:43

Great, thanks for the fast reply, So I just have to make sure regarding that frequency business, Can't wait to get a new phone, I'm still using a battered old thing I've had for four years. Such a thing is like an antique around here.

heavenlywild

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# 355964 25-Jul-2010 02:13

No worries. This blog post should give you more of an insight to frequencies and coverage:

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/freitasm/7334

michaelmurfy

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# 355968 25-Jul-2010 05:29

That blog post hides the fact that there is also 3G extended coverage which operates on the 900MHz Frequency, the Desire comes in 2 models and that's the 900MHz/2100MHz (Vodafone) or 850MHz or 2100MHz (Telecom)

It depends which carrier you wish to go with really, both offer a excellent 3G service, but Telecom does not operate a GSM 2G network like Vodafone does so any old device will not work with Telecom.

You can view Vodafone's network map at http://vodafone.co.nz/coverage - if you tick "3G Extended" it will show their nationwide 3G 900MHz network, while 2100MHz is only in the main city centres.

If you get a phone with 2100MHz only, you will be able to use it all over NZ with Vodafone (with operating on their 2G network too) or only in _some_ city centres with no coverage outside with Telecom.

The 3rd carrier in NZ, 2 Degrees (Damn Geekzone doesn't let me use the Degrees symbol) operates a GSM network with 3G on the way, it's best to visit all 3 carriers and decide which one will offer the best package for you and purchase the phone based around that. If you get a 850MHz/2100MHz device this will work on all 3 networks no problems, but with using 2G outside the main city centres on both Vodafone and 2 Degrees.

freitasm

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# 355973 25-Jul-2010 07:21

It doesn't hide the 900MHz, it isn't relevant in the context of that blog post. Just visit the links to each company's coverage for the specific maps.

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eXDee

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# 356109 25-Jul-2010 16:38

Make sure you check that its a 850mhz 3g model, as 850mhz 2g doesn't cut it.
You want the Desire A8183 for XT and Desire A8181 for 2degrees/vodafone.

Posted this from my desire on XT. =D

gac

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Wannabe Geek

# 356577 26-Jul-2010 15:10

Thanks for all the info everyone, very clear.