[KR2013]

I just bought a new Q10 from Amazon when I was back in the US last week. Since I travel to Europe and Asia regularly with my company, I ordered an unlocked "international" model - at at least that's what the title said. The model that came in mail was SQN 100-5, which seemed compatible with the US T-mobile, as I was getting 4G no problem. I was happy that I could get 4G in the States with the "international" model, thinking that perhaps I could also get decent speeds in Europe and Asia with it (by decent, I mean 3G or so, not 4G). The problem is I landed in Kazakhstan last night and to my surprise, I can't get any internet using a couple of local sims. The bar shows "h", which is for voice only (no internet). I have my Mobile Network and Data Services setting on, but nothing:




Previously, the Z10 that I had bought in London (model STL 100-2) worked fine in Kazakhstan using local seems, but didn't do well in the US using my T-mobile sim (I was getting something like 2g speed on internet at the most). So, I also bought a Z10 STL 100-3 model just for when I was in the US. Now, does this mean I will have to buy another Q10 (I don't even know which model and from where) just to be able to use it in Europe/Asia?

I hope it's user error and I have done something wrong with the settings, but if not, this problem seems to be unique to BlackBerry, since I don't seem to have any problems getting decent internet speeds using local sims in my old iPhone 4 or Nexus 5 devices. Please note that I am also carrying a Nexus 5 to get my work emails since my company's email is only offered on iPhone and Android devices. Just pop in the local sim and you are good to go, pretty much no matter where you are in the world.

So, why is it that BlackBerry can't do something similar, basically one model fits all (or at least fits MOST)? With all the threads about people's concerns with different models and OS upgrades, and the fact that it is difficult for an average user to know what to buy and from where since the choice of places offering BB10 devices is very limited, I am sure I am not the only one frustrated with this. We (including me) keep claiming that Blackberrys are for "professionals" and "business" people, but how can it be in this day and age when many of these categories of people travel internationally? I was looking forward to getting the Classic when it comes out, but not certainly interested if I have to buy 2 or 3!

Posted via CB10

[johnnyuk]

Unfortunately with the early BB10 phones BlackBerry decides to split the supported frequencies between too many different models of the phones in my opinion.

So for World travellers like you there isn't a single Q10 that will work at a minimum of 3G speed everywhere you go.

BlackBerry are learning their lesson with the new phones coming soon by supporting more frequency ranges in less models of phone but it's no consolation for you I'm afraid.

By the way, say Hi to Borat for me while you're there, his sister is very friendly!

Posted from my BlackBerry Z30 STA100-2 /10.2.1.3247 on O2 UK - Activated on BES10.2.3

[KR2013]

By the way, the local sim frequencies seem to be as follows:

GSM-900/1800
UMTS/WCDMA-2100

Posted via CB10

[johnnyuk]

Looks like you should be getting 3G at 2100Mhz as all the Q10 models appear to support that.

http://celluloco.com/skin1/pages/US/bb-q10.html

I'm no expert on frequencies and carrier networks around the world though.

Posted from my BlackBerry Z30 STA100-2 /10.2.1.3247 on O2 UK - Activated on BES10.2.3

[johnnyuk]

Try turning Data Services while roaming on?

Posted from my BlackBerry Z30 STA100-2 /10.2.1.3247 on O2 UK - Activated on BES10.2.3

[KR2013]

Try turning Data Services while roaming on?

Posted from my BlackBerry Z30 STA100-2 /10.2.1.3247 on O2 UK - Activated on BES10.2.3

I have tried that, but it didn't help. Since I am using a local sim, Roaming does not come into play until I use this sim outside of the country. Thanks for the suggestion though.

Posted via CB10

[KR2013]

Looks like you should be getting 3G at 2100Mhz as all the Q10 models appear to support that.

http://celluloco.com/skin1/pages/US/bb-q10.html

I'm no expert on frequencies and carrier networks around the world though.

Posted from my BlackBerry Z30 STA100-2 /10.2.1.3247 on O2 UK - Activated on BES10.2.3

Ya, that's what I thought too, but for some reason it doesn't pick it up.

Posted via CB10

[KR2013]

Unfortunately with the early BB10 phones BlackBerry decides to split the supported frequencies between too many different models of the phones in my opinion.

So for World travellers like you there isn't a single Q10 that will work at a minimum of 3G speed everywhere you go.

BlackBerry are learning their lesson with the new phones coming soon by supporting more frequency ranges in less models of phone but it's no consolation for you I'm afraid.

By the way, say Hi to Borat for me while you're there, his sister is very friendly!

Posted from my BlackBerry Z30 STA100-2 /10.2.1.3247 on O2 UK - Activated on BES10.2.3

I will be happy if the Classic covers more frequencies. It seem it's a lost cause, at least for the Q10.

Will do!

Posted via CB10

[Matty]

For people who don't travel at all, buying a BlackBerry 10 of fine but for people who do a lot of travelling for their jobs, you need a device that is able to support as many frequencys as possible.

This is why the Iphone does so well I'm sure it's more expensive for BlackBerry to allow the phone to connect to more areas but maybe they could have an option for that???

Either buy a regular one for your region OR buy a BlackBerry "World" edition which connects you everywhere

Posted via BlackBerry Q5 SQR100-2

[MaxxxBerry23]

As it picks up a signal, maybe try to play around with the APN settings?
The Q10 ideal for you would be the SQN100-3 which is the EMEA version

Posted via Q10 ?

[Jrox74]

Hi there.. That is a drag as I have never had an issue with any of my BlackBerries over the years of traveling. I'm an American based in HK & with my Z10 STL100-2 I have traveled to the US, Germany, France, Canada, Prague, England, Australia, & NZ and not had an issue with text, calls, & e-mails. Maybe I'm just lucky my carrier here in HK is Smartone Vodaphone and the roaming coverage & my Z10 have not let me down. Rocking 24-7 with my Z10 & 16GB PlayBook.

[KR2013]

As it picks up a signal, maybe try to play around with the APN settings?
The Q10 ideal for you would be the SQN100-3 which is the EMEA version

Posted via Q10 ?

I currently don't have any idea how to play with the settings, but I will look into it. Thanks for pointing out the right model (100-3). I will see where I can order one online (if the price is good). I like the Q10 too mich to pass on it. But, it probably makes more sense for me to just wait for the Classic. That way I will have the latest device (assuming I can get a model that works in most countries with half decent speeds)!

Posted via Z10

[bdavies1995]

mmmm

[KR2013]

Hi there.. That is a drag as I have never had an issue with any of my BlackBerries over the years of traveling. I'm an American based in HK & with my Z10 STL100-2 I have traveled to the US, Germany, France, Canada, Prague, England, Australia, & NZ and not had an issue with text, calls, & e-mails. Maybe I'm just lucky my carrier here in HK is Smartone Vodaphone and the roaming coverage & my Z10 have not let me down. Rocking 24-7 with my Z10 & 16GB PlayBook.

STL100-2 is the same model I bought in London. It has worked nicely so far in Europe and some Asian countries I have been too, but extremely slow on T-Mobile USA. That is why I also bought a Z10 STL100-3 just for that getting 4G on T-Mobile with no problem. So, it sounds like the models made for Europe have a better chance of working worldwide with varying speeds than the models made specifically for the US carriers! Something to think about when buying my next BB device.

Posted via Z10

[cycle_wala]

I currently don't have any idea how to play with the settings, but I will look into it. Thanks for pointing out the right model (100-3). I will see where I can order one online (if the price is good). I like the Q10 too mich to pass on it. But, it probably makes more sense for me to just wait for the Classic. That way I will have the latest device (assuming I can get a model that works in most countries with half decent speeds)!

Posted via Z10

Since it displays "h", it means that it is getting the HSDPA connection. But probably not getting Internet because of some APN error or maybe because the network hasn't turned on the Internet services for you. So double check those things. It's not the phone's fault.

Posted via CB10 from my Q10SQN100-3/10.3.0.1052

[KR2013]

For people who don't travel at all, buying a BlackBerry 10 of fine but for people who do a lot of travelling for their jobs, you need a device that is able to support as many frequencys as possible.

This is why the Iphone does so well I'm sure it's more expensive for BlackBerry to allow the phone to connect to more areas but maybe they could have an option for that???

Either buy a regular one for your region OR buy a BlackBerry "World" edition which connects you everywhere

Posted via BlackBerry Q5 SQR100-2

Is there really such a thing as the BlackBerry "World" edition, or you are just suggesting it will be good to have one? I will be glad to get one if it ever comes out, even if it is going to be a little more expensive than the regular models. It sure beats buying 2-3 of each model, which is the route I have been taking!


Posted via Z10

[KR2013]

Since it displays "h", it means that it is getting the HSDPA connection. But probably not getting Internet because of some APN error or maybe because the network hasn't turned on the Internet services for you. So double check those things. It's not the phone's fault.

Posted via CB10 from my Q10SQN100-3/10.3.0.1052

I sure hope you are right, since I really like the Q10. I am going to ask around here to see if somebody in our IT can figure it out.

Posted via Z10

[pttptppt]

Unfortunately with the early BB10 phones BlackBerry decides to split the supported frequencies between too many different models of the phones in my opinion.

So for World travellers like you there isn't a single Q10 that will work at a minimum of 3G speed everywhere you go.

BlackBerry are learning their lesson with the new phones coming soon by supporting more frequency ranges in less models of phone but it's no consolation for you I'm afraid.

By the way, say Hi to Borat for me while you're there, his sister is very friendly!

Posted from my BlackBerry Z30 STA100-2 /10.2.1.3247 on O2 UK - Activated on BES10.2.3

You do know that the village scenes are from Romania right?

Posted via CB10

[kbz1960]

For people who don't travel at all, buying a BlackBerry 10 of fine but for people who do a lot of travelling for their jobs, you need a device that is able to support as many frequencys as possible.

This is why the Iphone does so well I'm sure it's more expensive for BlackBerry to allow the phone to connect to more areas but maybe they could have an option for that???

Either buy a regular one for your region OR buy a BlackBerry "World" edition which connects you everywhere

Posted via BlackBerry Q5 SQR100-2

How much mire expensive than making 5 models of the same damn phone?

[KR2013]

As it picks up a signal, maybe try to play around with the APN settings?
The Q10 ideal for you would be the SQN100-3 which is the EMEA version

Posted via Q10 ?

The APN setting seems to be locked out (it does not accept any input in the entry field), no matter what I do.



Posted via CB10

[KR2013]

I just checked with the local carrier in Kazakhstan. They said you need a GSM900 cell phone for it to work in Kazakhstan. Would BlackBerry Q10 SQN100-5 be compatible?

Posted via CB10

[johnnyuk]

You do know that the village scenes are from Romania right?

Posted via CB10

Yes, it was just a joke.

Did you manage to get it working? As others have said it could just be APN settings for the Internet as you are getting an HSPDA signal but the phone can't see the Internet hence the lowercase case "h".

Posted from my BlackBerry Z30 STA100-2 /10.2.1.3247 on O2 UK - Activated on BES10.2.3

[johnnyuk]

I just checked with the local carrier in Kazakhstan. They said you need a GSM900 cell phone for it to work in Kazakhstan. Would BlackBerry Q10 SQN100-5 be compatible?

Posted via CB10

Bad luck, you need a SQN100-4 according to this I posted for you earlier:

http://celluloco.com/skin1/pages/US/bb-q10.html

Posted from my BlackBerry Z30 STA100-2 /10.2.1.3247 on O2 UK - Activated on BES10.2.3

[KR2013]

Bad luck, you need a SQN100-4 according to this I posted for you earlier:

http://celluloco.com/skin1/pages/US/bb-q10.html

Posted from my BlackBerry Z30 STA100-2 /10.2.1.3247 on O2 UK - Activated on BES10.2.3

Just curious, how can you tell? I can see that SQN100-5 model does not support the 3G HSPA 900 frequency, but all models seem to support the 2G GSM900 band, including the SQN100-5 model. So, I should expect to get at least 2G with it. Am I not reading it correctly?

Posted via Z10

[KR2013]

Yes, it was just a joke.

Did you manage to get it working? As others have said it could just be APN settings for the Internet as you are getting an HSPDA signal but the phone can't see the Internet hence the lowercase case "h".

Posted from my BlackBerry Z30 STA100-2 /10.2.1.3247 on O2 UK - Activated on BES10.2.3

No, I have not been able to. The Settings for the APN seems to be locked when I put the sim in my Q10, but not so when in my Z10. So, something in the Q10 does not allow the sim to function as it does in my European STL100-2 Z10 phone. For that reason, I think the problem is with the Q10 device and not the sim. I get 3G HSPA data without any problems on my Z10.

Posted via Z10