[bbfreak999]

A few questions here on my Z30 which I am a VERY proud owner of and its design is amazing quality. So a few questions if you all do not mind.

1. I ordered this Unlocked phone from a European mobile shop and according to the box I have the Model RFW121LW / STA100-2 with a T-Mobile SIM. Will this work in the USA if I just walk into a T-Mobile shop to buy a T-Mobile USA version SIM card?
I still have not tried using it yet. As far as using the internet, I will be using only Wi-Fi networks.
I know there is a Sticky on this forum site about the frequencies and types of bands, but I am not all that "technical" when it comes to these specs.

2. Also, how can I tell if this Z30 is really a GSM phone?
It has indeed a SIM card slot under the back cover, so does this mean that it is a GSM phone?

I would really appreciate the help on this. Sorry for my lack of knowledge on smartphones....

[raino]

1. If you are going to be using WiFi for internet and TMO service just for phones and texts, the STA100-2 will work just fine. However, if you want fast data speeds, you may not get it because the STA100-2 works on only one of TMO's three high speed networks.

2. Yes, it's a GSM phone. A SIM card alone does not necessarily mean the phone is all-GSM, but this one is.

[bbfreak999]

I think that the STA100-2 uses only 2G on TMO.

And is there another way to see if my Z30 is really a GSM-based phone or just by telling from the Model type that I posted above will tell if it is really a GSM-based phone?

Thanks

[DaFoxGrey]

Click the "Z30" link in raino's sig, that will tell you more info.

[KR2013]

STA100-2 is a GSM model (see the attached chart). However, I am not sure how compatible it is with the T-mobile USA's frequencies. It is possible you will be able to make phone calls, but not sure about the internet/data speed. I had a UK model Z10 that would not get more than 2G speed in the US using a T-mobile sim. However, I doubt you will have any problems getting high speeds with you wifi.

[raino]

I think that the STA100-2 uses only 2G on TMO.

You will get up to HSPA+ in the refarmed cities. But, like I said, that's only one of TMO's three high speed bands, and IMO the #3 based on deployment.

And is there another way to see if my Z30 is really a GSM-based phone or just by telling from the Model type that I posted above will tell if it is really a GSM-based phone?

All Z30s have GSM (i.e. the 2G) bands--even the CDMA Z30s, which are the STA100-3 and the STA100-4. If you want to confirm this, you can use the FCC authorization tool here to look up the STA100-2 (grantee code: L6A, Product code: RFW120LW.)

[bbfreak999]

I intend to use Wi-Fi only if possible either from my house or from an open Wi-Fi.
So that's no big deal.

So just to confirm, my model Z30 (RFW121LW / STA100-2) is a GSM-based phone and should work with my TMO USA SIM card?
Am I correct?

Sorry in advance, but I really love this phone and just really want to be sure on this.

Thanks again.

[raino]

So just to confirm, my model Z30 (RFW121LW / STA100-2) is a GSM-based phone and should work with my TMO USA SIM card?
Am I correct?

Yes. You will get at least 2G.

[bbfreak999]

Thank you so much.

[raino]

Think this was an error above >>> should be RFW121LW.

Nope. Product code in FCC docs is always one less than the model number. So 120LW, not 121LW.