[Nde]

Hello all, I signed a new contract with ATT and got a new 3G sim card with my new 8707G. Do any of you know if I should be picking up 3G signal in Los Angeles?

The network setting is set to "2G and 3G". I can't find any network if I set to 3G only but works great in 2G only mode at GPRS. I just want to test my 3G network before traveling to Japan. Or do you know of any other way I can confirm 3G is working?

Thanks all.

[jungleland]

First, the 8707's 3g technology runs on a different frequency than the one available through US carriers..The 8707's 3g is designed for Europe.

Second, I believe you should still be able to get EDGE (which is not 3G)...The 3g sim card is useless without a 3G device made for a US GSM carrier..

[Nde]

I see. So you are saying I should not pickup the 3G signal in US since my device wast designed for 3G network in Europe or Japan?

And no, I'm not getting EDGE. Highest is GPRS with my 8707g.

[jungleland]

Originally Posted by Nde

I see. So you are saying I should not pickup the 3G signal in US since my device wast designed for 3G network in Europe or Japan?

And no, I'm not getting EDGE. Highest is GPRS with my 8707g.

Well, Europe yes, Japan, no..GSM does not exist in Japan, there are GSM share towers for people OUT OF JAPAN to use when they visit, but Japan uses WCDMA for its residents...

As for not getting EDGE, I would call ATT and let them know, (but lie to them and tell them you have an 8700, otherwise they won't help you)

Might need to re provision your acct, re register the HRT and re send the service books

[BallHawk3]

Correct me if i'm wrong. But I thought the 8707g doesn't have EDGE because it uses UMTS and they don't really use "EDGE" in Europe.

Quad-Band network support on 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSMxxx8482;/GPRS and 2100 MHz UMTS

Maybe that's the reason your only seeing GPRS and not EDGE.

[dc/dc]

Originally Posted by jungleland

Well, Europe yes, Japan, no..GSM does not exist in Japan, there are GSM share towers for people OUT OF JAPAN to use when they visit, but Japan uses WCDMA for its residents...

As for not getting EDGE, I would call ATT and let them know, (but lie to them and tell them you have an 8700, otherwise they won't help you)

Might need to re provision your acct, re register the HRT and re send the service books

You're not correct at all Jungleland. GSM does not exist at all in Japan; not even a visitor's network. That is an urban legend. I know from personal experience. However, WCDMA/UMTS 2100 does exist, with service provided by both NTT DoCoMo and Softbank (formerly Vodafone KK). An 8707 will function on either of those networks. In fact, NTT DoCoMo offers BlackBerry service with the 8707.

Also, the 8707 does NOT have EDGE. It is GSM/GPRS 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS 2100.

Please have a look at this link:
BlackBerry - 8707h

[Dubdub]

The 8707 is only GPRS capable in the US. There are no 3G BB's although the Verizon and Sprint 8830's operate on EVDO.

[dc/dc]

Originally Posted by Dubdub

The 8707 is only GPRS capable in the US. There are no 3G BB's although the Verizon and Sprint 8830's operate on EVDO.

Your first statement is correct, but your second is not.

Any BlackBerry after the 7250 on Sprint or Verizon is 3G as it uses EVDO. However, this fact does not help the original poster in any way, shape or form.

[Nde]

Wow, that is alot of info for one day.

One thing for sure is my ATT (aka Cingular) card will not get EGDE on my 8707g. If I slip the sim back into my 8700, I will get EDGE. Therefore, you guys are correct, no EDGE on 8707G.

Regarding Japan, my 8707g is a Docomo device. I assume it will work fine in Japan with my ATT 3G sim card... right? With the assumption that I have the right phone plan.

[Dubdub]

Ask dc/dc. He/she seems to know it all.

[dc/dc]

Originally Posted by Nde

Wow, that is alot of info for one day.

One thing for sure is my ATT (aka Cingular) card will not get EGDE on my 8707g. If I slip the sim back into my 8700, I will get EDGE. Therefore, you guys are correct, no EDGE on 8707G.

Regarding Japan, my 8707g is a Docomo device. I assume it will work fine in Japan with my ATT 3G sim card... right? With the assumption that I have the right phone plan.

That is correct. It will work in Japan.

Just as an aside, if your device is DoCoMo branded, it is actually an 8707h.

[WonkotheSane]

Originally Posted by dc/dc

That is correct. It will work in Japan.

Just as an aside, if your device is DoCoMo branded, it is actually an 8707h.

And be sure to activate the blackberry INTERNATIONAL service on your at&t account. If you don't you'll be paying roaming rates on your data, which will add up fast.

[crisambo]

Originally Posted by dc/dc

That is correct. It will work in Japan.

Just as an aside, if your device is DoCoMo branded, it is actually an 8707h.

The 8707g is a Vodafone model . . . has the same guts as the 8707h. from my understanding, only Japan residents are able to acquire UMTS/W-CDMA devices and pre-paid SIM locally. . . . most travelers in Japan are directed to rental companies at the airport for their mobile phone needs . . .

If your 8707 is unlocked and your ATT SIM works in it now stateside, then you're good to go, granting you have international roaming activated on your account . . . DoCoMo has roaming agreements with ATT/Cingular, T-Mobile and Sprint/Nextel . . .

[dc/dc]

Originally Posted by crisambo

The 8707g is a Vodafone model . . . has the same guts as the 8707h. from my understanding, only Japan residents are able to acquire UMTS/W-CDMA devices and pre-paid SIM locally. . . . most travelers in Japan are directed to rental companies at the airport for their mobile phone needs . . .

If your 8707 is unlocked and your ATT SIM works in it now stateside, then you're good to go, granting you have international roaming activated on your account . . . DoCoMo has roaming agreements with ATT/Cingular, T-Mobile and Sprint/Nextel . . .

Not to pick nits, but Vodafone sells the 8707v. Yes, it does have the same guts as the 8707g and 8707h, but the skin is drastically different. The 8707g is sold by any other non-Vodafone carrier (i.e., O2, SingTel).