[nattyz2004]

i have a t-mobile 9780 that is unlock and i would like to use it on at&t 3g network but i was told that this was not possible because it was different hardware and not software that was use to determine the frequency. Hence i had come to the conclusion that it was not possible to use a t-mobile 3g device on at&t 3g network since they uses 2 different 3g frequency.

However i was just browsing the internet and i came across this article:

"GSM BlackBerry Compatible with “ALL” 3G Bands in the World?
Chuong Nguyen | February 4, 2010 6:42 AM

With the release of the latest BlackBerry Bold 9700, Research in Motion released two versions of the device–one for AT&T and the rest of the world, and one compatible with T-Mobile’s AWS 3G spectrums. However, both models, according to an investigation by BGR, use the same hardware, mainly the 3G chip that supports these different global frequencies. What really controls the 3G frequency support in the BlackBerry–starting with the Bold 9700–is not the hardware chip, but rather the 3G bandwidth support is via software. RIM can essentially flash a phone with the appropriate software, carrier branding, and activate the right 3G bands to support. Now, if only we can get all the 3G bands to be supported at one time for true, global roaming."

source: GSM BlackBerry Compatible with “ALL” 3G Bands in the World? | Pocketnow

does anyone knows if this is actually true for the newer version blackberries; mainly the 9700 and the 9780?

[BigBadWulf]

It's a well known, and repeatedly discussed fact, that the bands are flashed. Also very clearly been stated that it's impossible to reflash to a different set.

Sorry

[nattyz2004]

It's a well known, and repeatedly discussed fact, that the bands are flashed. Also very clearly been stated that it's impossible to reflash to a different set.

Sorry

yeah i figured that part but everyday some new hacks pops up. you notice i post the source? because if my understanding is right and this source is legit, they are claiming that if you take in the phone to a rim dealer, they can reflash it to a different frequency. hence it would not be impossible.


unless i am misunderstanding the article or less it is total bs

[Deathcommand]

You are not misunderstanding the article, but the article is wrong.

Sent from my BlackBerry Bold 9930- 7.1.0.340

[BigBadWulf]

You could probably take it to RIM and have it reflashed, but you'd spend less keeping the original phone, and buying another on the correct bands.

[Pete6]

That article is completly wrong.

As the Wulf and others say, this cannot be done. The radio chips are flashed at manufactre long before an OS gest near the phone. This will be done on a manufacturing jig that makes specific hardware connections on the main board. Software will then blow the chip fuses on a one time basis. Once this is done, there is no going back.

It is my belief that once the chips fuses (options inside the chip that are controlled by blowing the internal fuses to configure it) are blown, the main boad is now fixed for life.

You are quite correct to believe that T-Mobile uses different 3G channel frequencis for other 3G operators. You can read about it here Cellular frequencies - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[nattyz2004]

thanks guys

[raino]

I wonder if RIM makes (a very limited number of) devices without the restrictive band flashing done to them (for company officials/high ranking diplomats, etc.)