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GSM wireless networks

Koodauw

Koodauw

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Nov 17, 2003
3,952
197
Madison
Any one know much about GSM wireless networks? I want to buy a GSM phone that Cingular does not current sell, however it works on the same bans as ( 900/1800/1900) so it should work.

Is all I have to do is put in my SIM card? I know they are not like other phones where you have to give them The ESN for the phone to work, however when I've been in to upgrade my phone in the past, they always seem to take a # of the new phones box and put it in the computer... Does this have anything to do with how calls are sen/t received from the phone?

Any input is appreciated.
 
I can't make any guarantees that this'll work in the US, but you *should* be able to just put your SIM card in there.
 
I pretty sure it will, but I was really more curious about why they take the # from the phone and have to enter it in.
 
Koodauw said:
I pretty sure it will, but I was really more curious about why they take the # from the phone and have to enter it in.
Click to expand...


I think the number is just for warranty / sales / upgrade data for the company and does not have to do with it.

I thought Cingular uses lots of 850 ? Check HowardForums.com, you could definitely run a search there and people have probably asked the same questions or even tried our your exact scenario.
 
This is an obvious question, but is the phone unlocked? You can only use an unlocked device by simply inserting the SIM.

If it's unlocked it should work, though it might only work for voice and not for data.
 
Well if he's buying a phone at retail (which is what I'm assuming) then it shouldn't be "tied" to any particular network.
 
I wouldn't buy that phone if it was me because you will not get that good of reception since Cingular is mainly using the 850 band, it will work but you will not get the best reception, if you were on T-Mobile I would say go ahead because they use both the 850 and 900/1800/1900 band.

You would be better of buying a quad band unlocked phone.
 
Take a look at this thread on HoFo. It has some very good detailed information about what frequencies Cingular uses, and has a link to a site where you can determine which one is used in your area.

From what I read, you'll want both 850 and 1900mhz, so make sure your new phone supports that. As others have said above, make sure it is unlocked, or be able to get it unlocked. Once you put your SIM in, it SHOULD work. You may have to manually select your network (Cingular) depending on the phone, but it most likely should do it automatically. You'll probably (I use my experience with T-Mobile as a basis) need to configure some settings for data and mms use. I'm sure whatever phone you buy someone at HoFo already has posted a thread about with any necessary settings.
 
I have Cingular (unfortunately) and got an unlocked quad band phone off eBay. Put in my SIM card and was good to go.
 
Thanks everyone, looks like a phone with the 850 frequency is the way to go.... now back to finding a phone.
 
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