GSM Frequencies

[gangstar]

Which of the GSM frequencies 850/900/1800/1900 are used in the UK and by which networks. Also what is the difference between UMTS and CDMA/WCDMA and 1xRTT ???

I'd be very grateful for any help as I'm really confused!:confused:

[Michael]

The UK uses 900 and 1800Mhz bands.

UMTS is WCDMA used on the 2100Mhz band, more or less.

CDMA is another type of phone network, as is GSM, TDMA, and AMPS.

1x and 1xRTT are names of the CDMA data system that is most comperable to GPRS on GSM, but is faster than GPRS.

[gangstar]

So will i be able to use an american 1800 mhz phone in the UK. If so , on which networks??

[fadedevolution]

Ok I am a little noob myself, but Generally Americas are 1800, Europe is 1900 and Asia is 900. There are different networks within each of the three that use the other frequencies, but thats how i think of it as a broad picture. This is all you ahve to do to make sure your phone will work in a certain area. Find out which carriers cover that area, and what frequency they are on. Then, assuming your carrier isn't blocked from using those towers you will be in area. e.g. North and South Carolina are in area for tmobile customers because the Tmobile customers can connect to another carrier (I think cingulars) towers. blocking signals is what keeps a Tmobile phone from being picked up as an ATT phone and confusing everyone. Anyone correct me if im wrong

[jimkata2000]

While generally Europe useing 900/1800 not all carriers provide both. I know from my travels, Germany as 3 900 operators and 2 1800. Greece has like 4 1800 and 1 900. However, your best bet is to visit www.gsmworld.com and click on the raoming link. You can find out what coverage and bands are in every country that has GSM and find out which Carriers are available.

[cdover]

Originally posted by fadedevolution
and Asia is 900

Well Asia uses 900 and 1800.

[gangstar]

Thanks for all the help guys. GSMworld is a great site.

There are 5 networks in the UK. One is 3G so lets forget that a moment.

Two networks, O2 and Vodafone, use 900/1800 and the othe two use just 1800. Thats Orange and T-Mobile.

So that means I can buy a tri-band phone from America, say the Samsung P730, and stick in a US sim and use it. Brilliant. I'll have a unique phone.

My N-Gage'll do for now though!

[Box215]

Umm, stick in a US sim? That means that youd be using service from a US carrier, and youd be payign for roaming charges out of your ass!

[Michael]

Originally posted by fadedevolution
Ok I am a little noob myself, but Generally Americas are 1800, Europe is 1900 and Asia is 900. There are different networks within each of the three that use the other frequencies, but thats how i think of it as a broad picture. No, that is completely wrong.

Americas are 850/1900, Europe and Asia and most elsewhere is 900/1800.

[gangstar]

sorry, stick in a UK SIM. My mistake!