CDMA Rhodium Q & A: GSM, 3G Bands, SIM UNLOCK, ESN, IMEI, HARD-SPL, ROMS, FM, GPS

[leepriestenator]

This is a copy of a thread from "the other forum". A lot of people (especially international users) would benefit from the answers you provide to these questions. TIA.


I've seen a million (not a million literally, but close enough) of these threads in all shapes and sizes around the forum, yet there still doesn't seem to be a definitive answer to everyone's questions. I would like for this thread to be a sticky so that any questions pertaining to the following are discussed and answered.

• Telephony Network & 3G band compatibilty

• SIM Unlocks

• HARD-SPL & ROM compatibility queries

• Domestic (US) and International Usage

• Usability of Both CDMA and GSM radios

• GPS

• FM Radio

As someone that shares most of the comunities queries about the Rhodium CDMA's compatibility, I am listing all the questions that I have encountered around the forum and a format in which the answers must be provided in order to eliminate any unwanted chatter in order to be able to get to the "bottom of this" ASAP.

ANSWERING FORMAT
1. Please indicate the Q number to which you will be providing your answer
2. If you are going to describe compatibilty with any service provider, please indicate the following before you start answering or asking any questions.

Name of the Serive Provider: Veri zon / AT&T etc.
Country of the Serive provider:
Network Type: CDMA / GSM
3G Bands supported by the service provider:


QUESTIONS

Q1. Are the Verizon, Sprint and Telus versions of the TP2 identical as far as the hardware is concerned? The only difference I can find between the 3 of them as compared on PDADB is that the Verizon and Telus versions support only UMTS2100 instead of both UMTS 900 / 2100 like the Spint version. We need this sorted out. Is the info at PDADB not accurate?




Q2. As far as I know, ESN is used for CDMA phones and IMEI is used for GSM phones. Can anyone check to see if the CDMA Rhodiums come with 2 identifications numbers, one for each radio?


Q3. Again, as far as I know most CDMA service providers around the world offer phones without a SIM card (or even a SIM Card holder). They program the "SIM Card equivalent identification number" (maybe the ESN itself is used as identification) into the phone itself and that is how it identifies itself on the network. More recently, I have started to notice that CDMA phones are coming out with SIM card slots and even CDMA service providers (like verizon) are offering CDMA SIM cards. Now multiple questions arise from this.

a. Does the Rhodium allow your Verizon / Sprint / Telus telephone number to be programed into it or do you receive a SIM card for your telephone number?

b. Does the SIM card slot accept SIMs for both GSM and CDMA networks?

c. If the Rhodium supports having the telephone number programed into it, does that mean that I can have another CDMA service provider (in a different country of course) delete the existing number and program in a new telephone number?

d. Essentially, the question I want answered here is, can I use 2 telephone numbers (one CDMA number programmed into the phone and another GSM / CDMA number via use of a SIM card). I understand you cannot have both radios active at the same time and that's not what I am asking.


Q4. This might sound like a silly question, but a lot of people including myself aren't a 100% sure about it. Once HARD-SPL is introduced for the CDMA Rhodium, can we use all the ROMs cooked here at XDA, or do we have to use ROMs that are specific to these CDMA models?


Q5. Leaving T-Mobile and AT&T aside, most GSM 3G networks around the world use 900 / 2100 bands. The CDMA Rhodium (atleast the Sprint version) supports both. Does this automatically mean that 3G would work on this where ever 900 / 2100 is available? or is there more voodoo magic to this? If I understand it correctly, then this phone is exactly the same as the HTC European version (except the Front CAM) + the fact that it has a CDMA radio as well?

Misc Questions

Q6. Is there a SIM Unlock tool (or any other kind of paid service / hack) available to make this phone compatible with the US GSM service providers?
A. No Tool at the moment.
Verizon: Call Global Services Customer Care (1. Customer in good standing can get it done immediately after purchase. 2. New customers or defaulters need to wait for 60 days) After it is unlocked, you'll have no problems making it work with any US GSM carrier.
Sprint: It's already unlocked, but won't work with US GSM carriers.
Telus: I'm not sure if Telus does that for you but thankfully enough there are a lot of paid unlocking services available starting from as low as $13.00.
Option #1: eBay
Option #2: Others


Q7. This phone seems far more superior to the International version simply because it supports CDMA and has everything else that the International version has (except the Front CAM). Is there any reason why this is not the preffered phone for ALL?


Q8. What is the deal with the FM Radio?
a. Is the hardware built-in for it or not?
A. Nobody is entirely sure about it yet, although based on some of digging around that the folks over at PPC Geeks have done, it seems the hardware might be present. You can follow the development for that here. Get's interesting around Page 5.

b. If the hardware is present, then which port needs to be used as the antenna? Ext USB or the 3.5mm jack?
A. We'll find out when someone figures out how to make it work.

c. A lot of people report that it's locked or doesn't work. Any sign of a hack for it yet?
A. Not yet. There is one available for the GSM versions but that doesn't work for the CDMA Rhodiums.


Q9. GPS...
a. Is it locked to only Sprint's or Verizon's navigators or can Google maps or any other third party navigation / map software be used?
A. Apparently NOT. 2 Confirmed reports state that both Verizon and Sprint TP2s work with every navigation and map software under the sun with pretty accurate locks.

b. If it is locked, where is the hack for it?
A. Not required. It's NOT Locked

c. I'm having issues with getting accurate locks.
A. Follow the links to these discussions.
Read This #1 (PPC Geeks)
Read This #2 (XDA)


Q10. Front Camera. There isn't one, is there?
A10. Nope. No Front Camera.


Q11. Headset
a. Do you get audio (stereo output) from the Ext-USB port like with the GSM versions?
b. Can an old headset with the Ext-USB connector work as a handsfree?
c. Telus comes with a 3.5mm based handsfree. What are Verizon and Sprint customers (who don't get one) doing about it?

[leepriestenator]

Anybody here know if UMTS 900 is available on the Verizon model?

[themuffinman]

Ok, I will start with an easy one.

Question 11
A. YES
B. YES
C. Whats there to do, most of us have had tp1's or moguls so we can use those headsets eventhough they are usb. For the most part though bluetooth all the way, IMO

Question 4
Once unlocked we will have to use cdma specific roms, anything gsm based would more than likely turn it into a paper weight. They use different chips

[themuffinman]

Question 3

A. The phone number is programmed into the phone itself, absolutely no need for sim card when on cdma network

B. I guess I answered this one in answer A

C. Technically it would be possible for sure. It would be up to who ever is providing the service for you.

D. I guess I would be possible. After all with cdma the number is programmed to the phone itself and with gsm the phone info is programmed to the sim card. So if I travel overseas alot, once there it will probably search for cdma network(depending on what mode I have set on) and once it can't find it, it then switches to gsm and if I already have an overseas sim then it will work right away with whatever info is on the sim card.

[stevedusa]

Q2: Yes, they are different for both radios.

Q3: I am using Sprint and I am in China at the moment so let me share my experiences.
a: I believe in Sprint's case, it depends on where you are roaming into. When I arrived in China, I thought I was going onto an GSM network with Sprint's SIM card in there for roaming, but I was wrong. The phone actually went onto a CDMA network instead. I believe that Sprint has roaming agreement with the Chinese CDMA provider (China Unicom). I made a call back to the States and the voice quality is clear.

So long story short, by default the Global mode with Sprint's SIM in there, it will seek CDMA signal first, if it does not found anything then it'll try the GSM part, depending on what SIM you put in there.

b: I'd like to correct something here regarding the "SIM" for CDMA. It's called an "UIM" or "RIM" for CDMA networks. It looks identical to a GSM SIM card but believe it or not, United States, or in North America, the UIM/RIM is integrated into the phone, where the rest of the world such as China, the users can remove the UIM/RIM just like GSM-counter parts.

The answer? I had to test it tomorrow, but I have a feeling it will only accept GSM SIM, not CDMA UIM/RIMs.

c: That, you need to have your destination provider do it for you, AA Keys and such. Some providers does support modify or work with integrated (soldered onto) UIM/RIM for CDMA networks.

d: Of course you can, I have a China Telecom SIM card in my Sprint TP2 right now and I can make/receive phone calls on the SIM card's number, while my phone's CDMA part is still the State's number. Didn't try to use it without Sprint's SIM card in there though. I'll try it later.

Q5: No, not exactly. It depends on the destination's network infrastructure as well. See in China, they do offer European 3G bands AND services, however since the plan on the SIM card does NOT have a 3G plan, it keeps at EDGE (GSM) band. I think you need to have someone go to Europe with our GSM/CDMA combo TP2 and try it out.

[leepriestenator]

@stevedusa.

Thank god you're in China. Man you really shot those questions to ****. Thanks a million.

Few more try-outs based on the answers you've given us here.
Q3.b. Definitely would like to know if you can stick a UIM / RIM (CDMAs version of SIM) into the SIM slot and get it to work.
Q3.c. Does that involve just reprogramming or actually pulling the phone apart?
Q3.d. Now that you have the SIM card in and your Sprint connection is active via (China Unicom), have you gone into phone settings and set it to GSM or is it still on CDMA or Global mode? Is there a chance that both radios can be active at the same time?
Also, I'd really like to know what would happen if you left your SIM card slot empty? Would you still get China Unicom converage? You probably will.

Q5. Yeah I know that. The plan has to support it. I'm just curious if the phone will actually handle it, plus there is the question if it trully is 3G dualband.

[themuffinman]

Originally Posted by leepriestenator

Few more try-outs based on the answers you've given us here.
Q3.b. Definitely would like to know if you can stick a UIM / RIM (CDMAs version of SIM) into the SIM slot and get it to work.
Q3.d. Now that you have the SIM card in and your Sprint connection is active via (China Unicom), have you gone into phone settings and set it to GSM or is it still on CDMA or Global mode? Is there a chance that both radios can be active at the same time?
Also, I'd really like to know what would happen if you left your SIM card slot empty? Would you still get China Unicom converage? You probably will.

Q3.b. I doubt that will work but I guess steve can try it out and see.
Q3.d. ChinaUnicom is cdma I think so his radio is cdma with the sim card not having anything to do with it. Both radios can't be running at the same time so its either or. If you remove the sim card then it will just be cdma only.

[orb3000]

Hi all,

New on this forum, but an old one on XDA-DEVS
Great place
Congrats!
--------------------------
So Verizon wil be my choice!

[wraith79]

Originally Posted by leepriestenator

This is a copy of a thread from "the other forum". A lot of people (especially international users) would benefit from the answers you provide to these questions. TIA.


I've seen a million (not a million literally, but close enough) of these threads in all shapes and sizes around the forum, yet there still doesn't seem to be a definitive answer to everyone's questions. I would like for this thread to be a sticky so that any questions pertaining to the following are discussed and answered.

• Telephony Network & 3G band compatibilty

• SIM Unlocks

• HARD-SPL & ROM compatibility queries

• Domestic (US) and International Usage

• Usability of Both CDMA and GSM radios

• GPS

• FM Radio

As someone that shares most of the comunities queries about the Rhodium CDMA's compatibility, I am listing all the questions that I have encountered around the forum and a format in which the answers must be provided in order to eliminate any unwanted chatter in order to be able to get to the "bottom of this" ASAP.

ANSWERING FORMAT
1. Please indicate the Q number to which you will be providing your answer
2. If you are going to describe compatibilty with any service provider, please indicate the following before you start answering or asking any questions.

Name of the Serive Provider: Veri zon / AT&T etc.
Country of the Serive provider:
Network Type: CDMA / GSM
3G Bands supported by the service provider:


QUESTIONS

Q1. Are the Verizon, Sprint and Telus versions of the TP2 identical as far as the hardware is concerned? The only difference I can find between the 3 of them as compared on PDADB is that the Verizon and Telus versions support only UMTS2100 instead of both UMTS 900 / 2100 like the Spint version. We need this sorted out. Is the info at PDADB not accurate?




Q2. As far as I know, ESN is used for CDMA phones and IMEI is used for GSM phones. Can anyone check to see if the CDMA Rhodiums come with 2 identifications numbers, one for each radio?


Q3. Again, as far as I know most CDMA service providers around the world offer phones without a SIM card (or even a SIM Card holder). They program the "SIM Card equivalent identification number" (maybe the ESN itself is used as identification) into the phone itself and that is how it identifies itself on the network. More recently, I have started to notice that CDMA phones are coming out with SIM card slots and even CDMA service providers (like verizon) are offering CDMA SIM cards. Now multiple questions arise from this.

Q3: Answer: With the TP2 it has the capability to switch from GSM to CDMA on its own, hence the Global mode setting in the Phone Settings menu!

a. Does the Rhodium allow your Verizon / Sprint / Telus telephone number to be programed into it or do you receive a SIM card for your telephone number?

Q3a: Once Telus starts their 3.5g Network in the new year, the most recent phone from Telus, (i.e. TP2, Snap, Blackberry Bold and possibly Blackberry Storm) will be able to have their SIM cards programed to the current phone number that corresponds to your plan!

b. Does the SIM card slot accept SIMs for both GSM and CDMA networks?

Q3b: This is still unknown, Futher tests still have to be done to find out if it will work on other CDMA networks!

c. If the Rhodium supports having the telephone number programed into it, does that mean that I can have another CDMA service provider (in a different country of course) delete the existing number and program in a new telephone number?

Q3c: The answer to this is also a bit of a gray area, but, if you go to your settings menu and look into the CDMA Network settings, you will notice that there is a menu for the NAM settings. Theoretically, you could have 2 separtate NAM settings in the phone. I just don't know how to change these settings, as of yet!

d. Essentially, the question I want answered here is, can I use 2 telephone numbers (one CDMA number programmed into the phone and another GSM / CDMA number via use of a SIM card). I understand you cannot have both radios active at the same time and that's not what I am asking.

Q3d: Yes you could have two different numbers for your phone, 1 of them CDMA and the other GSM. I have a friend that has a TP2 with Telus (3 year contract) and he also has a Pay and Talk plan with Fido and they both work! Justr as long as you unlock the SIMlock on the phone, it can be done!


Q4. This might sound like a silly question, but a lot of people including myself aren't a 100% sure about it. Once HARD-SPL is introduced for the CDMA Rhodium, can we use all the ROMs cooked here at XDA, or do we have to use ROMs that are specific to these CDMA models?


Q5. Leaving T-Mobile and AT&T aside, most GSM 3G networks around the world use 900 / 2100 bands. The CDMA Rhodium (atleast the Sprint version) supports both. Does this automatically mean that 3G would work on this where ever 900 / 2100 is available? or is there more voodoo magic to this? If I understand it correctly, then this phone is exactly the same as the HTC European version (except the Front CAM) + the fact that it has a CDMA radio as well?

Misc Questions

Q6. Is there a SIM Unlock tool (or any other kind of paid service / hack) available to make this phone compatible with the US GSM service providers?
A. No Tool at the moment.
Verizon: Call Global Services Customer Care (1. Customer in good standing can get it done immediately after purchase. 2. New customers or defaulters need to wait for 60 days) After it is unlocked, you'll have no problems making it work with any US GSM carrier.
Sprint: It's already unlocked, but won't work with US GSM carriers.
Telus: I'm not sure if Telus does that for you but thankfully enough there are a lot of paid unlocking services available starting from as low as $13.00.
Option #1: eBay
Option #2: Others


Q7. This phone seems far more superior to the International version simply because it supports CDMA and has everything else that the International version has (except the Front CAM). Is there any reason why this is not the preffered phone for ALL?


Q8. What is the deal with the FM Radio?
a. Is the hardware built-in for it or not?
A. Nobody is entirely sure about it yet, although based on some of digging around that the folks over at PPC Geeks have done, it seems the hardware might be present. You can follow the development for that here. Get's interesting around Page 5.

b. If the hardware is present, then which port needs to be used as the antenna? Ext USB or the 3.5mm jack?
A. We'll find out when someone figures out how to make it work.

c. A lot of people report that it's locked or doesn't work. Any sign of a hack for it yet?
A. Not yet. There is one available for the GSM versions but that doesn't work for the CDMA Rhodiums.


Q9. GPS...
a. Is it locked to only Sprint's or Verizon's navigators or can Google maps or any other third party navigation / map software be used?
A. Apparently NOT. 2 Confirmed reports state that both Verizon and Sprint TP2s work with every navigation and map software under the sun with pretty accurate locks.

b. If it is locked, where is the hack for it?
A. Not required. It's NOT Locked

c. I'm having issues with getting accurate locks.
A. Follow the links to these discussions.
Read This #1 (PPC Geeks)
Read This #2 (XDA)


Q10. Front Camera. There isn't one, is there?
A10. Nope. No Front Camera.


Q11. Headset
a. Do you get audio (stereo output) from the Ext-USB port like with the GSM versions?
b. Can an old headset with the Ext-USB connector work as a handsfree?
c. Telus comes with a 3.5mm based handsfree. What are Verizon and Sprint customers (who don't get one) doing about it?

.....

[leepriestenator]

That's the only one left unanswered. Hope someone can clarify this.

Q1. Are the Verizon, Sprint and Telus versions of the TP2 identical as far as the hardware is concerned? The only difference I can find between the 3 of them as compared on PDADB is that the Verizon and Telus versions support only UMTS2100 instead of both UMTS 900 / 2100 like the Spint version. We need this sorted out. Is the info at PDADB not accurate?