More > Featured Review

Windows Mobile Devices on the Carriers...

More > Breaking News

New Max Sense UI Demoed Again with More...

More > Featured Rumor

The Android-Based HD2: HTC Supersonic

More > Recent Tweak

Disable or Customize Haptic Feedback of...

More > Marketplace Pick

Marketplace Pick: Alcograph 2.0

You are in News Post

Browse by Category:

Verizon Wireless CDMA Touch Pro2 Works on GSM AT&T Network

File under: News

By: Chuong Nguyen | Date: 24-Sep-09 | - Comments

I've been working with a friend to get his Verizon Wireless Touch Pro2 unlocked so he can travel and use any SIM card from any carrier that he wants if the frequencies and bands are supported by the phone, of course. As part of the arrangement, I got to test out my AT&T SIM card on the phone, at long last after much speculation that it may work on AT&T's 3G network. The good news is that the unlocked phone, which we used service from UniquePhones costs $20--one of the cheapest for third-party unlocking--does register on AT&T's network. Now, on to the bad news: although the phone registers, it will only work on EDGE (2.5 G data speeds) and not UMTS, HSPA, or WCDMA 3G that is supported by the GSM carrier.

Also, I found out that the annoying pass-through audio (I can hear myself in the earpiece) that is an echo but doesn't behave like an echo is still present under EDGE. Perhaps, this "feature"--or anomaly rather--is present obly in the several Verizon Wireless Touch Pro2 models that I've tested as many others haven't been able to replicate the issue.

Read on to find out if this is the solution you want to take and how to get and enter your unlock code to make your phone work on a GSM network.

In my previous article, I explored the phone settings inside the Windows Mobile Touch Pro2 global phone from Verizon Wireless and found out that the device supports both the 1900 and 850 MHz bands on GSM and WCDMA (3G), all of which are used by AT&T's wireless network. Theoretically, I postulated, the phone should be capable of functioning on both EDGE and HSPA on AT&T. However, it seems that my earlier conclusion is proven incorrect.

The bottom line here is that perhaps HTC and Verizon Wireless created a software code patch that prevents domestic 3G bands from registering on the phone as it doesn't seem to be tied to the SIM lock at all. The issue is most apparent in the Sprint Touch Pro2 model, which comes SIM-unlocked and can't register on a domestic GSM network with a domestic carrier SIM card.

If you're willing to sacrifice 3G for EDGE in order to gain the 3.5 mm headphone jack, perhaps this is the method to use--and you can even try UniquePhones as they are fast and relatively inexpensive for a third-party service. Otherwise, I'd recommend going with your carrier version to avoid any costs related to unlocking, if they are willing to do it for you (Verizon Wireless states that it will unlock after a customer has been with them for six months). If you are willing to go the route of SIM unlocking, here are the steps to take.

First, either your carrier (Verizon Wireless in this case) or a third-party unlocking solution (Unique Phones in this instance) will ask you for your device's IMEI number. To obtain the IMEI number, you need to put your phone into GSM mode, and here's how you do it:

1. On TouchFLO 3D, go to the Settings tab and then hit the left soft button for All Settings.
2. Under the Settings menu, go to the Personal tab.
3. Click on the Phone icon.
4. Go to the Network tab and select GSM/UMTS only from the drop down menu.

At this point, although your phone won't register a network or get reception to make any calls (other than emergency calls), you can hit the phone button and dial: *#06#

After you dial that code, the system will display your IMEI number. You can give this to the Verizon Wireless rep or your third-party provider. Once they come back with your unlock code, here's how to enter it:

1. On TouchFLO 3D, go to the Settings tab and then hit the left soft button for All Settings.
2. Under the Settings menu, go to the Personal tab.
3. Click on the Security icon.
4. Enter the unlock code.
5. Go to the Phone icon (under Settings menu and Personal tab as well).
6. Go to Network tab.
7. Choose GSM/UMTS only.
8. Go to the GSM/UMTS tab, click on Band, and hit Get Settings and you'll find various band options.

You will also have to configure your access point so you can access the web on your Touch Pro2 depending on the carrier settings. For AT&T, here is what you do:

1. Go to the Connections Tab under the Settings menu and hit the Connections icon.
2. Choose Add a New Modem Connection.
3. On the next screen, name it whatever you want and choose Cellular Line (GPRS, 3G) as the option from the drop down.
4. The access point is: wap.cingular
5. User name is: WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM
6. Password is: CINGULAR1

After you've entered the above settings, you should be able to connect.

Before attempting to unlock a phone, be sure to check the laws of your country and/or jurisdiction to ensure you are not violating any laws or agreements. By unlocking your phone, you can use a pre-paid SIM card in the destination of your travel and control your wireless spending while abroad and avoid roaming costs, which can go up to $4.99 per minutes depending on the location you travel to.

Additionally, we found that the third-party provider, UniquePhones, offered a good, reliable, hassle-free service at a competitive price.

4 tweets

Retweet this Share on Facebook