Can't switch to 3G

**VdM** · 12-04-2012, 06:10 PM

Hi everyone,
I moved to the US from Europe with my trusted HTC Desire HD (unlocked) and got a T-mobile 3G plan. When I subscribed, nobody mentioned any possible problem with my phone.
However, the phone is not switching to 3G coverage (remains stuck on Edge) and when I went to the shop they told me it's a problem with my device, but could not elaborate further.
Can anybody help me?
Thanks

Ry · 12-04-2012, 06:28 PM

Looking at the specs of the Desire HD, , HSPA/WCDMA: 900/2100 MHz.

I believe you need a phone that runs HSPA/WCDMA at 850/1700/2100 MHz to get 3G on T-Mobile (that's changing to 850/1700/1900/2100 MHz).

**VdM** · 12-04-2012, 06:32 PM

So I understand the only solution is switching phone... Too bad!
Thanks much!

**Jon_Doh** · 12-14-2012, 08:59 AM

The bands used for HSPA in Europe are different than those used in the U.S. Most phones sold here will have both U.S. and European bands in them so the phone can be used when traveling to Europe. But I don't believe the phones in Europe have both bands, only the European bands. You might check with your local T-Mobile store to verify this. Perhaps they can test your phone for you.

There is another option depending on where you are. If your phone is currently picking up Edge that means you may have the 1900 MHZ band. T-Mobile is currently doing a lot of national refarming and moving 3G/4G bands to 1900 MHZ. So, it may be that sometime soon you will be able to pick up 3G/4G on this phone.

**acreoaeneas** · 12-23-2012, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by Jon_Doh

There is another option depending on where you are. If your phone is currently picking up Edge that means you may have the 1900 MHZ band. T-Mobile is currently doing a lot of national refarming and moving 3G/4G bands to 1900 MHZ. So, it may be that sometime soon you will be able to pick up 3G/4G on this phone.

Currently, refarming isn't complete, so since he is getting EDGE, he's actually using EDGE speeds on GSM 1900 MHz, not CDMA 1900 MHz. For future 3G/"4G" access (non-LTE) for T-Mobile, a phone with at least CDMA 1900 and 2100 would be needed. If you want LTE as well, you'd also need a CDMA and LTE capable phone with 1700 / 1900 / 2100.