Will 4G function globally?

[Trebby123]

Hi. Brief question. I've scoured the internet and can't see the answer to this, though my knowledge of 4g is not great so it may be a very simple question.
I currently live in New Zealand but will be moving to the UK within the next few months. I am keen to buy an M8 as my 8x is dying a slow and painful death. If I buy a NZ M8 (which will be sim unlocked), will it fully work in the UK? Particularly with regards to the 4g/LTE network.
I guess what I am asking - are different versions released around the world depending on the 4g frequencies, or are all M8s capable?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[soshi89]

I have just compared the HTC websites with the UK and NZ models.

The UK model uses 4G - LTE: 800/900/1800/2600 MHz,
while the NZ model uses 4G - LTE: 700/900/1800/2100/2600 MHz

You'll need to read up on which network you wish to go with in the UK and whether or not they will be in the area you're living in as well.

Frequencies used on the EE network:

1,800 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE 2G
2,100 MHz UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+ 3G
800 MHz LTE (planned) 4G
1,800 MHz LTE 4G
2,600 MHz LTE-Advanced 4G

Frequencies used on o2 network:

900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE 2G
1,800 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE 2G
900 MHz UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+ 3G
2,100 MHz UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+ 3G
800 MHz LTE 4G

Frequencies used on the Vodafone UK network:

900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE 2G
1800 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE 2G
900 MHz UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+ 3G
2100 MHz UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA+/DC-HSPA+ 3G
800 MHz LTE (band 20) 4G
2600 MHz LTE (band 7) 4G

These 3 networks are the only networks that have 4g/LTE technology but only EE has a bigger coverage. o2 and Vodafone UK I think only covers a couple major cities so.

In honesty I would avoid 4g/LTE because the packages are a rip off in the UK and you don't get much data allowance to work with to justify the price.

 

[skyhigh_91]

These 3 networks are the only networks that have 4g/LTE technology but only EE has a bigger coverage. o2 and Vodafone UK I think only covers a couple major cities so.

In honesty I would avoid 4g/LTE because the packages are a rip off in the UK and you don't get much data allowance to work with to justify the price.

Actually, 3 also does 4G in the UK and is the same price as 3G with up to unlimited data. Their 4G runs on the 800 and 1800 MHz bands which as far as I can tell should be compatible with your M8, but I may be wrong!

Edit: It may not fully work, the 1800 MHz band is supported but the 800 may not be. Sorry!

 

[Trebby123]

Many thanks to you both for your replies. It sounds more complex than I had hoped! I think I will wait until I'm in the UK and buy it there (hopefully it may be cheaper by then!).
Thanks again.