On Mon, 14 May 2012 23:55:02 +0000 (UTC), (Mike S.)
wrote:


In article ,
micky wrote:

Is there a still active** newsgroup where cell phones are on topic?

If not, let me tell you all that I'm confused about the topic: I see
4-band GSM phones for sale, with these bands: GSM 850/900/1800/1900
(Quadband)

But there are also 2-band phones, which have only iiuc the USA 3G
frequencies, 850./ 1900.

The bands they don't have, 800 and 1800, were used in 2G phones.

"800" is really 850. Same thing.

Perhaps you mean 900 and 1800. Neither of these bands were EVER used for
cellular in the USA, 1G, 2g, any-G.

Since I'm only getting basic (2G?) service, no internet, do I need
these frequencies that were originallly used by 2G phones?

The only frequencies you need for voice coverage in the US are 850/1900.
But basic GSM is being phased out by AT&T in some cities to devote more
"slots" to 3G.

So what is the sequel to GSM?. Maybe I should look for that instead.

It is retained for international roamers, but you might
find no service for a few minutes when entering a congested area.

Thanks for the help. Would have posted back earlier but sick for a
week, then I found this page, lost it, finally refound it, and wanted
to include. You probably know all this stuff, but archive readers of
the thread might like it.

http://www.ekit.com/ekit/MobileInfo/Guide The middle of it is the
most interesting.

P&M because it's been so long.