I have an unlocked Droid Pro that I am using with T-mobile (without a data plan). This works well for me, since I have a wifi connection in most places.
I also carry a Blackberry 8830 on Verizon for work purposes. I hate carrying two phones. I would use the Blackberry exclusively, except that I don't like the phone and want to keep my personal number separate.
Does anyone know if I can use the Droid Pro on both Verizon's network and T-mobile/GSM? If I had Verizon activate my phone, and left the T-mobile GSM chip inside, I wonder if I would be able to toggle between the two through the wireless networks menu in Android...
Advantages would be:
1) One phone instead of two.
2) I could use Verizon's better network in times where T-mobile is dead.
3) I could use Verizon's data plan (for free) in times where I do not have wifi.
How did you get it to work on T-Mobile? Verizon blocked US carrier's SIMs (even on unlocked Pros), and there's been a discussion on how to get around it. Is there a solution now?
I have an odd version of the Droid Pro... I got it from "a guy."
Anyway, it is not identical to the stock Droid Pro that Verizon is selling. A few differences I've noted:
1. Completely unlocked, works on T-mobile with my GSM card.
2. Battery cover had blue graphic on black instead of grey on black.
3. There is a touch pad (Backtrak) like a Moto Charm or Backflip, although it is not operational. Interestingly, the silicone case I bought from the Verizon store has a hole to expose the touch pad. It seems that Motorola originally had this in the design but pulled it. I wonder if the right software could utilize the pad.
4. Keys are domed like a Moto Cliq. Stock Droid Pro has ridged keys like a Blackberry. Keys are also arranged in a staggered way, like a full size keyboard. The stock version has keys lined up in a grid, again like a BB. Finally, the colon and semicolon labels are reversed compared to a stock device.
5. The battery cover has "clips" in different locations. I discovered this today when my extended battery arrived and the new cover would not fit right. I had to use a knife to trim the clips that did not match to make the cover fit.
I wonder if the ROM on this phone would be useful to folks developing a way to use stock Droid Pro's on US GSM networks?
Device(s): - T-Mobile Defy on AT&T 850/3G, or on T-Mo
- AT&T Galaxy Note on AT&T
- T-Mobile Gal Tab 7.0 Plus on
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Given that you seem to be one of the few who have a "one-off" version of the phone, we wouldn't be much help. That said, there should be a setting where you can change your Global and/or carrier roaming settings. In the instruction manual (online in several places) there is a section that instructs on how to use GSM or CDMA only, or both.
The wireless settings appear to be the same as a stock droid... have changed the network options to use GSM only (instead of CDMA or automatic global). I wonder if I can activate a pre-paid service for a month using this phone's ESN to check...
I have already swapped the stock battery for an extended version. Perhaps it is an issue with GSM/3G, but my battery life is abysmal. This is my first day with the new battery. In any case, the extended battery door covers the trackpad. I did, however, find another forum post with these pics of the same phone:
subs, the thread you linked to on android central is a thread that i started after i saw that cutout on the battery cover of the phone listed on wirefly's website. I still want to see pictures of YOUR Droid Pro. i wanna see if the keyboard is different as you say. maybe its another keyboard mystery like the droid 1. remember the flat/bubbled keys....
Ok subs seriously where the hell this thing come from? What model number is listed in the about phone screen? Also does that trackpad actually work. I also must say I kinda like that keyboard. Post more info. Post some video of the trackpad en action.
Device(s): - T-Mobile Defy on AT&T 850/3G, or on T-Mo
- AT&T Galaxy Note on AT&T
- T-Mobile Gal Tab 7.0 Plus on
Carrier: Not Provided
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Quote:
Originally Posted by google123
Ok subs seriously where the hell this thing come from? What model number is listed in the about phone screen? Also does that trackpad actually work. I also must say I kinda like that keyboard. Post more info. Post some video of the trackpad en action.
Its either a "Prototype", or "unlocked version"...either way, it will most likely not be available at VZW.
1. I do not actually know the exact origins of the phone but I believe it is a prototype phone that an Motorola engineer had prior to launching.
2. The about phone menu calls it a druid pro on version 2.2.
3. As far as I can tell, the trackpad is not functional, perhaps at the software level.
4. I am not sure how this can be useful to the community, but maybe someone can use this rom to understand how to open stock druid pros up to us gsm carriers.
That black square is not a speaker, it is actually a trackpad, like motorola's BACKTRAK on other phones. It is not functional. I think, probably, that the version of Android 2.2 that motorola has placed on the phone is not written to operate the trackpad.
This explains why many of the OEM and third party cases out there have a hole cut out in the location.
That's what's called an Engineering Sample. Not supposed to be sold and are supposed to be turned back in when testing is done. I won't speculate on how you or "the guy" got it. But it's pretty cool to see it with the trackpad.
I know 2 people that are testing out Pro's right now and can't figure out why all the cases/covers have a cutout in the middle of the back... it's for the trackpad.
Back to your original question... I don't think you can use it on both carriers at the same time. You'd have to switch back and forth. At least that was my experience with someone with an older phone that could switch.
And what is all of that etching on the side of the bezel you covered with scotch tape?
I'll bet this couldn't even be activated on Verizon. If the ESN is even valid for a production model, verizon and moto probably blocked the esn permanantly because your "guy" stole it. You do know if it is stolen and you bought it, you're in possession of stolen property?
1) The original battery cover that came with the phone had cut out for the trackpad, just like lots of the cases out there. The extended battery + cover from Verizon does not have this cut out.
2) Nerdherder, it does not behoove me to "prove" anything. This is a forum, not a trial court. I have not tested the phone on Verizon yet... but i am using the phone on T-mobile. It is up to you to believe me or not.
3) kjjb, thanks for your concern, but I am not in possession of any stolen property. I am a law abiding citizen that likes to play with phones. Actually, I take that back--since I am an American, I suppose I live on property stolen from native people.
I placed the scotch tape there to cover a small gap between the battery cover and the phone. When my extended battery + cover came in from Verizon, i did not snap into place. It appeared that the a few of the "clips" on my phone were located differently. I used a knife to shave down the extra clips. The cover stays on securely, but where the clips were removed, the cover was just less than flush. I covered it with tape, before putting it back in its silicone case.
Since then, I have removed the tape... doesn't seem necessary.
The real point of this thread is to see if anyone had any experience of thoughts about running the phone on two carriers. Also, so see if this type of phone would be useful to people trying to truly unlock the phone for use with all GSM carriers.
Device(s): - T-Mobile Defy on AT&T 850/3G, or on T-Mo
- AT&T Galaxy Note on AT&T
- T-Mobile Gal Tab 7.0 Plus on
Carrier: Not Provided
Thanks: 4
Thanked 213 Times in 193 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by substanceneil
...The real point of this thread is to see if anyone had any experience of thoughts about running the phone on two carriers. Also, so see if this type of phone would be useful to people trying to truly unlock the phone for use with all GSM carriers.
Good lookin' out...I was looking to do the same with either the Pro, or D2G, for use on AT&T (wound up getting T-Mobile Defy, as it supports both AT&T's 3G and T-Mo's). However it seems that its locked down a bit too much at release.
Unfortunately you have what is at the very least a "limited production/availability" model, as most of us won't be able to try.
I would think that it would work like "Dual SIM" phones, which either prompt for you to choose which carrier to use for each call, or simply automatically chose the carrier with best signal, if both were in range.
Substanceneil, my suggestion is that you try to activate the phone with one of Verizon's MVNOs, such as Page Plus Cellular. This should be a relatively inexpensive experiment because you can activate a phone with Page Plus, and it will come with $2 worth of "free minutes". You should be able to find a dealer who is willing to do this for you. If not, contact me and I will put you in touch with one. Also, if there is a problem with the ESN, this will come to light during the activation process. I am dying to know if this works for you. Since the Droid Pro was released, I have been wanting to see if I could get it to run on both Page Plus and Simple Mobile and toggle between the two carriers. I am disappointed to hear it cannot be unlocked for other US carriers because I am infatuated with this phone.
Its my thought here that the only way you could get them both on at once (assuming this is your end goal) you would need to radios (the cellular components of any phone). We can by phones with dual radios that will connect too two gsm systems and I think any good china brand grey market phone comes ready to roll for this. But the droid pro has only the one radio built in and all though its a world phone can only connect one at a time.
Well thats my guess here, Currently a HTC user but as we speak my Pro is traveling my way! Very exciting!!
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I got my non-stock Droid Pro working with both CDMA (verizon) and GSM (t-mobile). As mentioned above, however, the phone can only access one network at a time. I use Netswidget to quickly switch back and forth between the two. Kind of a pain in the rear but still nice to have it working.
Now that that's settled, I am going to attempt to update the software. The version on the phone is 2.26.6. I want to use the 2.26.20 SBF and then hopefully run a OTA update to 2.26.60.
The reason for this is that the DP i have has horrible (unusable) voice quality outgoing through the mic. Wired or bluetooth handsfree works and sounds perfectly. But I am hoping a software update might fix this as I am getting tired of searching for my bluetooth everytime I need to answer the phone.
I was able to upgrade to the 2.26.20 SBF. The update fixed my audio problem, but I lost my ability to use a T-mobile GSM card (like the stock phone). For some reason, my clockworkmod bootstrap recovery, while it seemed to work and reset the firmware to 2.26.3, did not recover the functionality.
So i fixed my audio but lost my GSM capability.
Not exactly what I wanted. Anyone have any idea why the recovery did not completely recover? I also tried doing a data wipe from the bootstrap recovery, and then restoring, but still the same. GSM/T-mobile disabled on the software level.
The SBF probably included a radio upgrade, while nandroid backups don't include the radio. Sorry, man, but unless you can track down a copy of the radio that thing shipped with, I'm guessing you're stuck
I am a newb with android and did not realize that there was system data that nandroid will not back up. I think you are right--the radio software was updated and I lost my T-mobile GSM capability. The nandroid restore did not restore the old radio software. I tried various methods of restoring including data wipes and factory reset, etc...
Interesting things with my updates:
1) the voice quality improved completely, but only for a few calls. even before my restore, I was back having to use a BT to make calls.
2) the SBF update worked well, but the OTA update led to a issue wtih the touchscreen. I wasn't able to even unlock the phone. I had to re-SBF. I tried several times. looks like the newest software has some incompatibility with my DP's touchscreen.
3) The battery life is now WAAAAY better. I used to use an extended battery and keep my old standard in my wallet. I used to limit GPS, wifi, etc. Now I can last nearly two days without such judicious use of my radios.
Live and learn.
I am leaving my job soon, and will lose my free Verizon connection. At that point, I will upgrade my T-mobile to include a data plan and shop for a new phone. Nexus S looks nice. CLIQ2 looks nice. Any suggestions?
I am a newb with android and did not realize that there was system data that nandroid will not back up. I think you are right--the radio software was updated and I lost my T-mobile GSM capability. The nandroid restore did not restore the old radio software. I tried various methods of restoring including data wipes and factory reset, etc...
Interesting things with my updates:
1) the voice quality improved completely, but only for a few calls. even before my restore, I was back having to use a BT to make calls.
2) the SBF update worked well, but the OTA update led to a issue wtih the touchscreen. I wasn't able to even unlock the phone. I had to re-SBF. I tried several times. looks like the newest software has some incompatibility with my DP's touchscreen.
3) The battery life is now WAAAAY better. I used to use an extended battery and keep my old standard in my wallet. I used to limit GPS, wifi, etc. Now I can last nearly two days without such judicious use of my radios.
Live and learn.
I am leaving my job soon, and will lose my free Verizon connection. At that point, I will upgrade my T-mobile to include a data plan and shop for a new phone. Nexus S looks nice. CLIQ2 looks nice. Any suggestions?
Neil
Glad so many other things were an upgrade for you! Sorry you lost the T-Mobile ability, but it sounds like it won't really be an issue down the road anyway. It's interesting that there are so many quirks with the release software on a pre-release phone.
As far as T-Mobile phones go, you've got a nice selection of choices right now. The Nexus S is of course a solid way to go, especially with the promise of early Google updates, but you don't get an SD card slot, so you have no way to upgrade the storage. There's also the G2 if you're interested in a vanilla Android experience and a hardware keyboard, the myTouch 4G (or however they capitalise that) if you're into Sense, the Vibrant if you like TouchWiz but hate using GPS, and the CLIQ 2 if you hate yourself. T-Mobile is really the place to be right now if you're an Android geek...at least until the next round of Motorola and HTC phones come out.
Interesting thread. I just unlocked my DP that I've had for six months and put in a live AT&T SIM card. It didn't work, so I came to this forum to find out why. If anyone figures out a way to unlock the phone so US SIMs will work, please post back here. I'd love to have a live US SIM in the phone and be able to switch back and forth from Verizon.
Neil; you should have backed up all the radio settings using cdma workshop or something like that to keep these unknown GSM settings....
I think this is still a do able idea..! And I feel it violates the federal law passed to allow for useage of phones like this one... class action law suit vs motorola & verizon anyone..?
On a side note... Neil does the droid now ask you for a "SIM Network Unlock PIN"..?
Id love to get past that part in the least then work on radio settings LoL
The Motorola DROID PRO is one of seven Android phones announced by Motorola at CTIA 2010. It features a candybar design with a fully-exposed QWERTY keyboard, Android 2.2, and 8 GB of onboard storage. It also has a 3.1 inch HVGA display, a 1.GHz pro... Read More
Unlocked Droid Pro on both T-mobile and Verizon
