A question about using a UK phone in WV
Apr 4, 2008 | 2:19 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
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Posts: 567
A question about using a UK phone in WV
I travel to WV a lot to see family, but live in the UK. I have a contract with Cellular One (now AT&T) via my other half, who lives in WV. The phone I got with the contract is ok, but hardly earth shattering.
So, I had a UK phone (previously on O2) unlocked at a shop in the UK.
When travelling to the US a couple of weeks ago, it seemed to only work in urban areas. Going through ORD was fine, as was CRW. However, as soon as I went into rural WV, the phone no longer picked up a signal. I assumed it was simply because of lack of cell mastsin a low population area.
Curiously, I switched the SIM back in the original Cell One phone, and the signal was fine.
Anyone got an idea as to why this might be?
thanks
So, I had a UK phone (previously on O2) unlocked at a shop in the UK.
When travelling to the US a couple of weeks ago, it seemed to only work in urban areas. Going through ORD was fine, as was CRW. However, as soon as I went into rural WV, the phone no longer picked up a signal. I assumed it was simply because of lack of cell mastsin a low population area.
Curiously, I switched the SIM back in the original Cell One phone, and the signal was fine.
Anyone got an idea as to why this might be?
thanks
Apr 4, 2008 | 2:32 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Detroit; Formerly Dubai
Posts: 3,676
US GSM currently uses two frequencies. 1900mhz and 850mhz. Many European tribands only have 1900mhz. 1900mhz doesn't have great rural coverage.
Note: The US FCC has just granted licenses in the 700 and 1700mhz bandwiths as well.
Note: The US FCC has just granted licenses in the 700 and 1700mhz bandwiths as well.
Apr 4, 2008 | 3:24 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Athens, WV, USA; a US cockroach long before it was in FFOCUS; now a lowly US5 for only the 2nd time in 20 years.
Programs: US5
Posts: 3,050
Depending on where you were in rural WV, if you drifted too far from an Interstate highway, you'll not get signal here. Where exactly were you at? (I'm in the southernmost part between BLF and BKW... where if you go too far off I-77 or US 460, you'll easily get no signal.)
Apr 4, 2008 | 3:32 pm
#5
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Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Easton, CT, USA
Programs: ua prem exec, Former hilton diamond
Posts: 31,801
If you can pick up a quad band phone, it will work pretty much anywhere. You can check here to see the signal for where you were,
http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/
but unless you were so far from anything it's probably because you didn't have the right band on the phone.
http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/
but unless you were so far from anything it's probably because you didn't have the right band on the phone.
Apr 11, 2008 | 5:10 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Programs: DL GM, AA PLT.
Posts: 567
That's really helpful, thank you. I am in central WV, around Flatwoods, just off I-79. The explanation about the frequencies would explain why my phone works in Charleston, but nor further North.
Can anyone tell me some possible (UK) phones that will work on 850 band?
thanks again.
Can anyone tell me some possible (UK) phones that will work on 850 band?
thanks again.
Last edited by rpjepson; Apr 11, 2008 at 5:12 pm Reason: Additional question asked
Apr 11, 2008 | 7:44 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Detroit; Formerly Dubai
Posts: 3,676
That's really helpful, thank you. I am in central WV, around Flatwoods, just off I-79. The explanation about the frequencies would explain why my phone works in Charleston, but nor further North.
Can anyone tell me some possible (UK) phones that will work on 850 band?
thanks again.
Can anyone tell me some possible (UK) phones that will work on 850 band?
thanks again.
I have a Nokia E65 and it works just about anywhere and has built in VOIP to boot.