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Unlocked Nexus S on AT&T Questions

jessie1290

Newbie
Dec 8, 2010
38
2
I'm hoping some of you can help me more than AT&T and Best Buy. If I buy the unlocked version, will it be fully functional with my AT&T sim card?
It seems like it shoud be an easy question. I printed out the specs and went to my local AT&T store. They told me they have no idea if it will work or not, or even what things may not work.
I went to Best Buy and they said everything would work, but they will not be getting them in the stores, it will be online only. I call the Best Buy Nexus S helpline in the ad and they said yes, it will be in the stores and it would work with my AT&T card. T-mobile's coverage in my area is minimal at best, so that's not an option for me. I'd rather just buy it and not be under contract, but I want to see and try it before I buy one. So, anybody know for sure? If it's not going to work, I'll just go back to waiting for the Moto Olympus! Thanks
 
It will work, but you wont get 3G unless there is another variant of the Nexus S in the future to tune to AT&T's 3G frequencies.

The Nexus S with your AT&T simcard WILL get 3G access. It will access the Quad band GSM: 850/1900 bands, which are the AT&T bands.

Connectivity


  • Quad-band GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900
Above info is directly from the Google Nexus S website tech specs...
 
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The Nexus S with your AT&T simcard WILL get 3G access. It will access the Quad band GSM: 850/1900 bands, which are the AT&T bands.

Connectivity


  • Quad-band GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900
Above info is directly from the Google Nexus S website tech specs...

you are wrong, sir. GSM is not 3g. that means it will use EDGE. Tri-band HSPA: 900, 2100, 1700 those are the 3g bands. AT&T uses 850/1900.

you might be able to get the dumbphone plan, i did with my behold 2, but if they find out, they can charge you the full 25 dollars for every month that you have had it.
 
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you are wrong, sir. GSM is not 3g. that means it will use EDGE. Tri-band HSPA: 900, 2100, 1700 those are the 3g bands. AT&T uses 850/1900.

you might be able to get the dumbphone plan, i did with my behold 2, but if they find out, they can charge you the full 25 dollars for every month that you have had it.


You are CORRECT - thanks for pointing this out for me...
 
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How come Engadget got AT&T 3G on their device?

Network support Quad-band GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 Tri-band HSPA: 900, 2100, 1700 HSPA type: HSDPA (7.2Mbps) HSUPA (5.76Mbps)



this is from googles site


looks like the AT&T 3g bands are there


Source:
Nexus S ? Google Phone Gallery

quote from engadget "Connections on T-Mobile's network were excellent in most places, allowing us to make calls where AT&T's network couldn't, though we did see EDGE data crop up on the Nexus S more than our AT&T devices -- and there's no HSPA+ to be found here (unlike T-Mobile's other flagship Android phones), just in case you were wondering. Still, speed certainly wasn't a major issue, and network throughput was decently strong (though not mind-blowing) when we were on T-Mobile's 3G. We averaged about 1.5 Mbps down and up on T-Mobile, and a slightly higher 2 Mbps down and 1.5 up on AT&T in the wilds of Brooklyn."

source:
Nexus S review -- Engadget
 
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How come Engadget got AT&T 3G on their device?

Network support Quad-band GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 Tri-band HSPA: 900, 2100, 1700 HSPA type: HSDPA (7.2Mbps) HSUPA (5.76Mbps)



this is from googles site


looks like the AT&T 3g bands are there


Source:
Nexus S ? Google Phone Gallery

quote from engadget "Connections on T-Mobile's network were excellent in most places, allowing us to make calls where AT&T's network couldn't, though we did see EDGE data crop up on the Nexus S more than our AT&T devices -- and there's no HSPA+ to be found here (unlike T-Mobile's other flagship Android phones), just in case you were wondering. Still, speed certainly wasn't a major issue, and network throughput was decently strong (though not mind-blowing) when we were on T-Mobile's 3G. We averaged about 1.5 Mbps down and up on T-Mobile, and a slightly higher 2 Mbps down and 1.5 up on AT&T in the wilds of Brooklyn."

source:
Nexus S review -- Engadget

They were using a AT&T phone. Most likely the iPhone. Not a nexus
 
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How come Engadget got AT&T 3G on their device?

Network support Quad-band GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 Tri-band HSPA: 900, 2100, 1700 HSPA type: HSDPA (7.2Mbps) HSUPA (5.76Mbps)



this is from googles site


looks like the AT&T 3g bands are there


Source:
Nexus S ? Google Phone Gallery

quote from engadget "Connections on T-Mobile's network were excellent in most places, allowing us to make calls where AT&T's network couldn't, though we did see EDGE data crop up on the Nexus S more than our AT&T devices -- and there's no HSPA+ to be found here (unlike T-Mobile's other flagship Android phones), just in case you were wondering. Still, speed certainly wasn't a major issue, and network throughput was decently strong (though not mind-blowing) when we were on T-Mobile's 3G. We averaged about 1.5 Mbps down and up on T-Mobile, and a slightly higher 2 Mbps down and 1.5 up on AT&T in the wilds of Brooklyn."

source:
Nexus S review -- Engadget


GSM is VOICE

HSPA is 3G

ATT is 850 & 1900

IT IS NOT SUPPORTED...
 
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How come Engadget got AT&T 3G on their device?

Network support Quad-band GSM: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 Tri-band HSPA: 900, 2100, 1700 HSPA type: HSDPA (7.2Mbps) HSUPA (5.76Mbps)

quote from engadget "Connections on T-Mobile's network were excellent in most places, allowing us to make calls where AT&T's network couldn't, though we did see EDGE data crop up on the Nexus S more than our AT&T devices -- and there's no HSPA+ to be found here (unlike T-Mobile's other flagship Android phones), just in case you were wondering. Still, speed certainly wasn't a major issue, and network throughput was decently strong (though not mind-blowing) when we were on T-Mobile's 3G. We averaged about 1.5 Mbps down and up on T-Mobile, and a slightly higher 2 Mbps down and 1.5 up on AT&T in the wilds of Brooklyn."

source:
Nexus S review -- Engadget

Just goes to show why I don't trust Engadget. When their page is littered with Android phones, and specific carriers advertise with them, how can you expect an unbiased review of a device.

What shocks me is that they claimed to have gotten 2.0 Mbps on the AT&T EDGE network, almost 2x the technological limitation of EDGE, and almost 6x the implemented speed of AT&T. I can only assume that such a ridiculous claim means that the reviewer is either an idiot, or there's some bias based on the fact that they don't want to talk down about an aspect of one of their sponsor's products.... who knows, but getting 2 Mbps on EDGE on AT&T is impossible.... so now Engadget joins Gizmodo on my "whatever..." list... lol

EDIT: The MOD contacted me who had written the review, and just clarified that he meant to simply compare the AT&T 3G networks in the test location, not actually say that the Nexus S got 3G speed on a EDGE connection. Not sure how he could have "mistakenly" stated that, but he says he'll be correcting it in the review. :)
 
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In that paragraph he starts comparing AT&T and T-mobile connections and speeds in general. Otherwise, why would he mention EDGE cropping up more on the Nexus versus AT&T devices. There should be almost no expectations of getting 3G on AT&T devices.

But I agree that it's very misleading because I did a double take when I read that section -- reading it carefully the 2nd time to see if it specifically said the Nexus was getting 3G speeds on AT&T. Knowing the specs, I just assumed he meant some other AT&T phone.

You know it's bad when those of us on AT&T are seeing 3G mirages whenever a half decent (CDMA/T-mobile/Euro) Android phone leaks or comes out.
 
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In that paragraph he starts comparing AT&T and T-mobile connections and speeds in general. Otherwise, why would he mention EDGE cropping up more on the Nexus versus AT&T devices. There should be almost no expectations of getting 3G on AT&T devices.

But I agree that it's very misleading because I did a double take when I read that section -- reading it carefully the 2nd time to see if it specifically said the Nexus was getting 3G speeds on AT&T. Knowing the specs, I just assumed he meant some other AT&T phone.

You know it's bad when those of us on AT&T are seeing 3G mirages whenever a half decent (CDMA/T-mobile/Euro) Android phone leaks or comes out.

Agreed, he's edited it now but it's still a little misleading. At the end of the day I want "to believe" in an Android device enough to ditch my iPhone 4, but for whatever reason HTC and Samsung keep coming out with plastic cheap feeling phones that each come with a limitation. There's no "ultimate"... in MY opinion my iPhone 4 Factory Unlocked build quality still trumps all the builds of android in quality. Love the Android OS, but I was hoping that the Nexus S would come out to support the AT&T 3G band, as well as have better build quality. Even Blackberry's high end models have metal in the build, which just makes them so much more rugged. Hopefully SOMEONE will make an android phone as such (aside from Motorola, lol).
 
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Anyone hoping to use an unlocked Nexus S on AT&T should be EXTREMELY careful. Starting January 6th, 2011, AT&T will be migrating ALL data and digital voice connections to their 3G towers exclusively. Digital EDGE devices will not be able to access data or make voice calls on AT&T's network anywhere with 3G coverage.

Keep in mind that this is all according to an AT&T tech rep I talked to when AT&T decided it would be a good idea to force me to trade in my $500 Smartphone for a shitty messaging phone (See Here).

The rep originally stated that AT&T is changing their EDGE frequencies (which makes no sense). He then went on to explain that because PDA other data devices on EDGE are bogging down the network, they're trying to get them all onto 3G and using EDGE towers for analog voice only.

It sounds like AT&T is doing a software reconfiguration to their network and changing it so that anywhere with both 3G and EDGE coverage forces 3G compliance for data and digital voice services.

Now this could all just be the tech rep being a moron (which considering AT&T's customer service, I wouldn't rule that out). But considering the details, you might want to consider waiting until after January 6th to ensure that AT&T's EDGE network will still work with the Nexus S.
 
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The rep originally stated that AT&T is changing their EDGE frequencies (which makes no sense). He then went on to explain that because PDA other data devices on EDGE are bogging down the network, they're trying to get them all onto 3G and using EDGE towers for analog voice only.

It sounds like AT&T is doing a software reconfiguration to their network and changing it so that anywhere with both 3G and EDGE coverage forces 3G compliance for data and digital voice services.

AT&T can't afford to restrict the EDGE coverage to voice only. Have you seen their 3G coverage maps? Their 3G service is horribly limited. If they take away their EDGE data service, a large majority of their customers wouldn't have data service at all and you'd see hordes of angry customers beating down AT&T's doors.

AT&T's deceptive coverage map
 
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AT&T can't afford to restrict the EDGE coverage to voice only. Have you seen their 3G coverage maps? Their 3G service is horribly limited. If they take away their EDGE data service, a large majority of their customers wouldn't have data service at all and you'd see hordes of angry customers beating down AT&T's doors.

AT&T's deceptive coverage map

I think it's only in areas with both 3G and EDGE coverage, which would mean that if you live in (or venture into) an AT&T 3G zone, your brand new Nexus S might be a bit useless. But like I said, it's difficult to know exactly what's going on considering the tech reps tend to be blowing smoke half the time.

I'd say for those who want a Nexus S on AT&T should best keep their receipts and take advantage of the return policy if you start losing signal after the 6th of January.
 
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Wouldn't trust anyone at Bestbuy, unless they actually tested it. I am on the same boat and if I can use it on my ATT account with 3G, I will buy it unlocked.

I guess we have to wait till Thursday and try it.

Can someone actually try this (may be engadget or someone that has a demo unit) confirm this, and not speculate?

Thanks
 
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The Anandtech review has a screen shot with an AT&T sim in it showing EDGE. The review also states that it will only get edge on AT&T. So unless the reviewer is in a non-AT&T 3G area, it's at least missing one of the two 3G bands.

Even if it's like the Vibrant (I think), it will only have one of the two 3G frequencies for AT&T. I've only heard of the N8 having pentaband 3G. This is so sad. It's like we're back in the old pre-quad band gsm phone days...

Nexus S and Android 2.3 Review: Gingerbread for the Holidays - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News
 
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The Anandtech review has a screen shot with an AT&T sim in it showing EDGE. The review also states that it will only get edge on AT&T. So unless the reviewer is in a non-AT&T 3G area, it's at least missing one of the two 3G bands.

Even if it's like the Vibrant (I think), it will only have one of the two 3G frequencies for AT&T. I've only heard of the N8 having pentaband 3G. This is so sad. It's like we're back in the old pre-quad band gsm phone days...

Nexus S and Android 2.3 Review: Gingerbread for the Holidays - AnandTech :: Your Source for Hardware Analysis and News

Thanks Captain Obvious, for stating what's been stated 1000x now. :)
 
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