TP2 and GSM/CDMA use and summary (What we know thus far)

isdnmatt · #1 (**permalink**) 09-23-2009, 12:13 PM

So after I don't know how many posts about the GSM capabilites of various versions of the TP2, I thought I'd post the confirmed information we have so people can stop asking. I would ask nicely for a sticky?

Telus TP2: First version to be unlocked. Telus does not provide an unlock code, but unlock codes can be purchased on Ebay for $13. Once unlocked, the phone can work normally on any GSM network, BUT domestic UMTS.
More information: http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=77989

VZW TP2: Behaves exactly the same as the Telus TP2 once unlocked and Verizon readily provides unlock codes (FOR FREE) as long as you have been a customer for 60 days and have only had one phone unlocked in the last 10 months. It has been confirmed that US A&T and T-mobile SIM cards work normally. Again, domestic UMTS is unavailable.
More Information: http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=84266

Sprint TP2: Unique in its setup. Does not have ANY SIM lock for foreign SIMS, but REFUSES to register on US GSM networks. Users HAVE confirmed that foreign SIMs function normally once outside the US.
More Information: http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=87113

All versions are compatible with text messages, SIM PIN codes, and can read SIM contacts.

The phones cannot operate on both CDMA/GSM networks simultaneously. In Global mode, the phone will search for CDMA signal, timeout, and begin searching for GSM. At any time while the phone is on and it loses CDMA signal, it will ask if you would like to switch to GSM.

Unlocking the Telus or VZW phones is very straight forward. Start --> Settings --> All Settings --> System Tab --> Device Information. The last line will show your IMEI. Provide this number to the company you have chosen to purchase an unlock code from.(VZW will already have a record of your IMEI so this step is not necessary for the VZW TP2.)

Once you have a code, either from VZW or another source. Start --> Settings --> All Settings --> Personal Tab --> Security. Enter the code into the dialog box and hit ok. If successful, a dialog will pop up and say "Your Phone is SIM Unlocked". You're all set, just put your favorite providers SIM card in and start making calls.

Also, for data settings, make sure you don't delete the standard GSM data settings. Rather, just edit with appropriate addresses. This makes sure that phone correctly switches from CDMA/GSM data settings. If you delete the GSM settings, you will have to go set which settings to use each time you switch from/to CDMA/GSM.

isdnmatt · #2 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 11:11 AM

I know that bumping your own thread is a hell-worthy offense, but the questions keep coming.

**Young_breedent** · #3 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 11:15 AM

this isn't all the info we need to know....this is all the info we know as of now. Once these phones get unlocked this thread will be pointless because there will be more questions that need to be answered and i'm willing to bet that sprint's device will be able to use US GSM carriers as well. Along with a few other changes to the Telus and Verizon versions

isdnmatt · #4 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Young_breedent

this isn't all the info we need to know....this is all the info we know as of now. Once these phones get unlocked this thread will be pointless because there will be more questions that need to be answered and i'm willing to bet that sprint's device will be able to use US GSM carriers as well. Along with a few other changes to the Telus and Verizon versions

Well, apparently everyone doesn't know it, since they keep posting. And the post is getting thanked.

Obviously, when the phone is unlocked, this will change, BUT NOT for the people who will be using stock ROMs and its safe to say there will be a thread in the TP2 CDMA Upgrades forum for that.

So what was the point of the your post? Maybe instead of saying its pointless, you could say what's missing? None of this will change for people that will not be flashing their phones. Maybe that bad taste in your mouth from Sprint's pricing and locking of the phone is causing some conflict.

**CovKid66** · #5 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isdnmatt

Well, apparently everyone doesn't know it, since they keep posting. And the post is getting thanked.

Obviously, when the phone is unlocked, this will change, BUT NOT for the people who will be using stock ROMs and its safe to say there will be a thread in the TP2 CDMA Upgrades forum for that.

So what was the point of the your post? Maybe instead of saying its pointless, you could say what's missing? None of this will change for people that will not be flashing their phones.

Good retort. I think he was probably referring to the thread title more than anything else though..."all the info you need" as opposed to something like "everything we know to date". Still, he could have found a less condescending way of saying it

I thanked you for your OP because it was nice to see a summary.

Just a suggestion, and it makes more sense to place this in your OP, but if there are any useful sub-thread links you can put up for others in case they would like to see the more detailed posts you referred to.

isdnmatt · #6 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 01:07 PM

I made the changes you suggested and will be posting links to appropriate threads. Thanks.

isdnmatt · #7 (**permalink**) 09-26-2009, 02:19 AM

Update with links to sources and more information on unlock process.

Gulanowski · #8 (**permalink**) 09-26-2009, 04:33 PM

I just called and had mine unlocked. Unfortunately I don't have an AT&T or T-Mobile SIM card to try in it, but as soon as I get back to campus I'll pop in a friends and report back.

**Young_breedent** · #9 (**permalink**) 09-28-2009, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by isdnmatt

Well, apparently everyone doesn't know it, since they keep posting. And the post is getting thanked.

Obviously, when the phone is unlocked, this will change, BUT NOT for the people who will be using stock ROMs and its safe to say there will be a thread in the TP2 CDMA Upgrades forum for that.

So what was the point of the your post? Maybe instead of saying its pointless, you could say what's missing? None of this will change for people that will not be flashing their phones. Maybe that bad taste in your mouth from Sprint's pricing and locking of the phone is causing some conflict.

As Covkid stated below i was referring to the title of his thread and the op must of agreed with me because he changed the title. Secondly i paid 199 for my touch pro 2 so no need for a sour taste in my mouth

, i also have no need to use a gsm carrier because sprint is the top dog in my parts why would i downgrade. And also i can't speak on somehing i don't know. The point of my post was to state that this is not all we need to know and the conversation will change once we get an unlocker. I was simply stating MY opinion and really don't see why you felt the need to comment on it as if it was directed to you

Gulanowski · #10 (**permalink**) 09-29-2009, 12:30 PM

I tried out a Tmobile SIM card and placed a test call, all seems to work well. So it seems that beyond getting the SIM unlock code the Verizon TP2's GSM isn't locked down at all. I didn't try data because my friend doesn't have a data plan on his account so I can't speak on behalf of that.