Carrier not supported. What are my best options? Would root/unlock bootloader work?

[OldJon]

Just got off the phone with Google, and apparently my service, Go Smart Mobile (feeds off of T-Mobile towers) is not compatible with the Nexus 5x because it only is unlocked to the major carriers. This is very strange to me, as the Nexus 5 was able to use Go Smart. Anyways, I am wondering if me rooting / unlocking the bootloader will open up any opportunity for my device to be compatible with my carrier. I already requested the Project Fi invite a few days ago for now. I'd like to know if I should return the device, or stick it out and order the converter for my computer and attempt to root. Thanks.

 

[rhea]

Go Smart disagrees. And, T-Mobile (owner of Go Smart) is considered a major carrier.

 

[eaccentsac]

Just got off the phone with Google, and apparently my service, Go Smart Mobile (feeds off of T-Mobile towers) is not compatible with the Nexus 5x because it only is unlocked to the major carriers. This is very strange to me, as the Nexus 5 was able to use Go Smart. Anyways, I am wondering if me rooting / unlocking the bootloader will open up any opportunity for my device to be compatible with my carrier. I already requested the Project Fi invite a few days ago for now. I'd like to know if I should return the device, or stick it out and order the converter for my computer and attempt to root. Thanks.

This sounds wrong. 5X works fine on Tmo so it should work fine for Tmo MVNOs.

I think you got a bad Google CSR ho gave you bad info.

 

[OldJon]

Thanks for the reply! I actually went to a local Go Smart Mobile and tried two different nano SIM cards and even replaced one of them completely. None of them worked. The rep then tried a T-Mobile and AT&T SIM, which worked. My Go Smart Mobile SIM works in my Galaxy S6 Edge, but not in the Nexus 5x. I spoke with a Google agent who confirmed that when Google says "Unlocked" for specifically the Nexus 5x, it only means for the major carriers. This of course proving why my SIM will not be recognized. I can't even access the mobile network settings, since it is greyed out completely. Very disappointing since I am in love with Nexus's and I really don't understand why the Nexus 5 was compatible, but not the 5x. This baffles me.

So basically I am wondering how a rep for Google and a rep for Go Smart don't know what is happening.

 

[barotropic]

Very strange.

My 5X is quite happy with a Cricket SIM in the slot. Seems like a parallel situation to yours: Cricket is an MVNO, using the AT&T network. So if the 5X is unlocked only for the "majors", seems like Cricket would be disqualified.

Sent from mTalk using a Dell Venue 8

 

[rhea]

@OldJon, did the phone not recognize the sim was inserted? Were the correct APN settings used? My son uses T-Mobile ($30/100 minute plan), and although it doesn't require an apn beyond what is automatic, he did have to alter a setting to use MMS on his 6p. I don't use T-Mobile, but Go Smart Mobile is owned and supported by T-Mobile. If after the proper settings are applied it still doesn't work, it may be that your phone has a defect. That's not likely, but possible.
It's not unheard of for reps to have incomplete info. I'm curious, now because there is no reason why a non-defective 5x won't work on that service.

 

[rhea]

@OldJon, I have a response from FB asking what happens when you insert sim. Has this been resolved? I will try to follow up if it has not been.