GSM auto (PRL) - Can the GNex Connect to a GSM Network or Not?

**GNex Girl** · 02-26-2012, 03:37 PM

When I go to Phone Information after dialing *#*#4636#*#*, Set preferred network says GSM/CDMA auto (PRL), I can make and receive phone calls as well as use data. GSM service says In Service.

If I go into settings>more>mobile networks, the Preferred network mode says LTE/CDMA.

When I go into settings>about phone>status, the network is Verizon Wireless, not roaming and Mobile network state is Connected.

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When I set my preferred network type to GSM auto (PRL), I can make and receive phone calls as well as use data. GSM service says In service.

If I go into settings>more>mobile networks, the Preferred network mode says GSM/WCDMA.

When I go into settings>about phone>status, the network is Verizon Wireless, not roaming and Mobile network state is Connected.

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When I set my preferred network to GSM only, I can't make or receive calls or use data. GSM service says In service.

If I go into settings>more>mobile networks, the Preferred network mode says GSM only.

When I go into settings>about phone>status, the network is Verizon Wireless, not roaming but Mobile network state says Disconnected.

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When I set my preferred network to WCDMA only, I can't make or receive calls or use data. GSM service says Emergency calls only.

If I go into settings>more>mobile networks, the Preferred network mode says GSM only.

When I go into settings>about phone>status, the network says Searching for Service, not roaming but Mobile network state says Disconnected.

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So what does this all mean?

Can the GNex connect to a GSM network or not?

**GNex Girl** · 02-26-2012, 05:00 PM

Anyone know why I can make phone calls when I have it set to GSM auto (PRL)? Is it because of the PRL (Preferred Roaming List)? I definitely can't make them in GSM only or WCDMA only.

**Andrew Martonik** · 02-26-2012, 08:26 PM

No, it does not work on GSM networks. It physically doesn't have the radios to do so.

Don't look to much into the fact that it says network mode is GSM/WCDMA.

**GNex Girl** · 02-26-2012, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by martonikaj

No, it does not work on GSM networks. It physically doesn't have the radios to do so.

Don't look to much into the fact that it says network mode is GSM/WCDMA.

Okay, can you help me understand the GNex hardware?

There are 2 data chips - LTE and EVDO - Samsung CMC221 and Via Telecom CBP7.1. What piece of hardware is involved in voice calls?

**NotJustAPhone** · 02-26-2012, 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by GNex Girl

Okay, can you help me understand the GNex hardware?

There are 2 data chips - LTE and EVDO - Samsung CMC221 and Via Telecom CBP7.1. What piece of hardware is involved in voice calls?

The EVDO chipset. Verizon voice calls use the 1xRTT network which is considered a 2G network. The EVDO chipset also handles 3G data. Having separate LTE and EVDO radios is what allows simultaneous LTE and voice on the Galaxy Nexus.

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**GNex Girl** · 02-26-2012, 09:10 PM

So the Via Telecom CBP7.1 chip can't handle a voice call on a GSM network and therefore, there is no way the LTE GNex can be used on a GSM network?

**NotJustAPhone** · 02-26-2012, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by GNex Girl

So the Via Telecom CBP7.1 chip can't handle a voice call on a GSM network and therefore, there is no way the LTE GNex can be used on a GSM network?

Not aware of any GSM functionality in the device. If you are inclined to dig into it further you could search for the FCC submission that Samsung made, which provides details on the radios and antennas in the Nexus. Also, take a look at the review on Anandtech. They take a more detailed technical approach to their phone reviews.

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**GNex Girl** · 02-26-2012, 09:33 PM

Originally Posted by NotJustAPhone

If you are inclined to dig into it further you could search for the FCC submission that Samsung made, which provides details on the radios and antennas in the Nexus.

Well here it is, but I have no idea what I am looking at.