[[buying_a_phone_that_works_for_the_aussie_mobile_network]]
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buying_a_phone_that_works_for_the_aussie_mobile_network [2018/04/30 13:09] scrimshaw [4G bands] |
buying_a_phone_that_works_for_the_aussie_mobile_network [2022/06/27 14:32] (current) scrimshaw [4G bands] |
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| * 2G was introduced in the 90’s and was comprised of two different standards – CDMA and TDMA. Here, we use the GSM standard which is based on TDMA, and 80% of subscribers around the world typically use GSM. It is a very old standard that is to be retired, however many countries still use the 2G standard and your phone will often fall back to 2G when 3G or 4G connections aren’t available. On some older phones, you can see a ‘GPRS’ icon or just a single ‘G’. This means you’re using the older 2G network. | * 2G was introduced in the 90’s and was comprised of two different standards – CDMA and TDMA. Here, we use the GSM standard which is based on TDMA, and 80% of subscribers around the world typically use GSM. It is a very old standard that is to be retired, however many countries still use the 2G standard and your phone will often fall back to 2G when 3G or 4G connections aren’t available. On some older phones, you can see a ‘GPRS’ icon or just a single ‘G’. This means you’re using the older 2G network. | ||
| - | **What this means for you** : Users of older mobiles that ONLY use GSM signals will no longer be able to access mobile services once 2G is shut down in Australia. Likewise, users of DUAL SIM handsets that typically have 2G-only services in their second SIM slot will no longer be able to make / receive calls on their second SIM. | + | **2G services have completely shut down in Australia**. Older mobile phones using 2G will not operate on any Australian network, and many devices that use GSM for communication, such as alarms, GPS trackers, weather stations etc. will also lose connectivity to the network. |
| - | + | ||
| - | If you still own a 2G phone, you can probably give it away, ebay it or donate it to the needy. | + | |
| - | + | ||
| - | Don’t worry about whether your new phone supports 2G or not, because it’s obsolete technology anyway. | + | |
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| * 3G is an upgrade over the existing 2G GSM networks, with some extensions and improvements, and was relatively easy to adopt as existing 2G towers could be upgraded to provide WCDMA coverage. 3G is a large improvement over 2G because it now not only allows for faster data transmission, but also allowing for simultaneous use of data and voice at the same time. 3G has undergone many changes and upgrades since it’s inception and now has the following standards implemented: | * 3G is an upgrade over the existing 2G GSM networks, with some extensions and improvements, and was relatively easy to adopt as existing 2G towers could be upgraded to provide WCDMA coverage. 3G is a large improvement over 2G because it now not only allows for faster data transmission, but also allowing for simultaneous use of data and voice at the same time. 3G has undergone many changes and upgrades since it’s inception and now has the following standards implemented: | ||
| * Evolved High Speed Packet Access, or HSPA+, allows for the phone to receive calls when receiving data over the network, as well as a data transmission rate of 42mb/sec in Australia. This upgrade was termed “3.5g” because of it’s theoretical max speeds of 168Mbps (but this was never delivered here) | * Evolved High Speed Packet Access, or HSPA+, allows for the phone to receive calls when receiving data over the network, as well as a data transmission rate of 42mb/sec in Australia. This upgrade was termed “3.5g” because of it’s theoretical max speeds of 168Mbps (but this was never delivered here) | ||
| - | * Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) — is a backwards compatible standard design to work with GSM. You can sometimes see your phone fall back in to EDGE mode when you are out of range of a 3G tower — this is denoted by a capital "E" on your Android phone. In this mode, you might not be able to access data services, but can still make or receive phone calls via the GSM network. EDGE is not considered a true 3G standard however. | + | * Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) — is a backwards compatible standard design to work with GSM. You can sometimes see your phone fall back in to EDGE mode when you are out of range of a 3G tower — this is denoted by a capital "E" on your cell network indicator. In this mode, you might not be able to access data services, but can still make or receive phone calls via the GSM network. |
| + | |||
| + | There are three 3G network frequencies currently in use: | ||
| - | In Australia, three 3G frequencies are: | ||
| - 850MHz (B5) – Telstra, Vodafone | - 850MHz (B5) – Telstra, Vodafone | ||
| - 900MHz (B8) – Optus, Vodafone | - 900MHz (B8) – Optus, Vodafone | ||
| - 2100MHz (B1) – Telstra, Optus, Vodafone | - 2100MHz (B1) – Telstra, Optus, Vodafone | ||
| - | * **What this means for you:** Many smartphones nowadays should cover at least all three of these 3G frequencies. However, beware that some budget phones imported from say, China, may only cover 850mhz or 900mhz, but not both, in an effort to cut down on production and licensing costs. Avoid getting a phone that does not support all three frequencies. | + | * **Purchasing Guide:** Most modern smartphones will support all three 3G frequencies. However, many low-cost phones (often sold with a prepaid SIM bundle) including "feature phones" and smartwatches, may not support all three, as a consequence of cost cutting or other technical reasons. |
| + | |||
| + | 3G usage is on the decline globally. Telstra has announced plans to shut down 3G networks by June 2024. | ||
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| - | ====== 4G ====== | + | ====== 4G or 4G LTE ====== |
| - | * 4G LTE is probably of the greatest interest and is probably the most confusing to most. LTE is the next-step of the evolution of UMTS (3G) and HSDPA (3.5G) is a complete redesign and simplication of 3G network architecture resulting in a marked reduction in transfer latency. Because of this, LTE is not compatible with 2G and 3G networks and thus, functions on an entirely different wireless spectrum. Unfortunately, this means that erecting an LTE network requires it to be built from the ground up. This is one of the main factors behind the delayed launch of complete 4G LTE networks. | + | * LTE is the next-step of the evolution of UMTS (3G) and HSDPA (3.5G) is a complete redesign and simplification of 3G network architecture resulting in a marked reduction in transfer latency. |
| + | * LTE, shorthand for Long Term Evolution was the predecessor before the mass adoption of true 4G. It indicates a service that provided transfer speeds of 20 to 50mbps, speeds that were 10 times faster than 3G. It was launched in 2011 and for marketing purposes, it was called 4G even though it didn't meet the International Telecommunication Union's minimum standards to be considered a 4G service. True 4G services became available after carriers upgraded the network several years later. | ||
| + | * 4GX or 4G LTE can provide speeds of anywhere between 100mbps to 1gbps, depending on various factors and how the network was built. | ||
| - | The industry is using what is called **LTE Categories** to describe the LTE network capabilities. There are 11 different categories that are defined, and from a consumer perspective, they mainly differ in terms of theoretical speed. The [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-UTRA#User_Equipment_.28UE.29_categories|whole table can be seen here]]. | + | The vast majority of calls and data transmissions in Australia now relies on 4G LTE networks and with new features such as carrier aggregation introduced in 2014, devices can connect multiple cellular frequencies at once to increase the data rate (download / upload speeds) significantly. |
| - | According to Wikipedia, CAT6 LTE provides a max downlink speed of 301.5 Mbit/s. Cat 6 is already available in some metro areas for users with Telstra and Optus, and in testing we’ve seen real-world download speeds of 150Mbps and uploads still around the 35-50Mbps mark. | + | Note that a 4G compatible mobile phone is backwards compatible with 3G, however a 3G-only device will not have access to the 4G network. |
| - | + | ||
| - | * What is VoLTE | + | |
| + | * **What is VoLTE (Voice over LTE) | ||
| + | ** | ||
| VoLTE or Voice over LTE is a feature that allows certain handsets to place phone calls over the 4G network, rather than falling back on 3G GSM networks. Without VoLTE, placing a phone call causes your phone to temporarily disconnect from the 4G network, pick up a 3G connection and receives / transmits voice data over 3G GSM. | VoLTE or Voice over LTE is a feature that allows certain handsets to place phone calls over the 4G network, rather than falling back on 3G GSM networks. Without VoLTE, placing a phone call causes your phone to temporarily disconnect from the 4G network, pick up a 3G connection and receives / transmits voice data over 3G GSM. | ||
| - | VoLTE changes this, by allowing phone calls to be placed on 4G networks, typically over SIP or session initiated protocol. This technology is quite similar to Skype or Viber. | + | Phone made on 4G networks are typically over SIP or session initiated protocol. This technology is quite similar to Skype or Viber. |
| - | **VolTE compatible devices** | + | **VoLTE compatible devices** |
| - | To see if your phone supports VoLTE, check your user manual or google online. Not every device supports VolTE and most carriers require your phone to be running their own firmware or operating system in order to have access to VolTE features. As such, many imported phones might not support VolTE when used in Australia, and may require software updates in order to work properly. | + | To see if your phone supports VoLTE, check your user manual or google online. In order to place a call on VoLTE, your mobile phone's hardware, firmware, software and the carrier that your phone is connected to must support the feature. |
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| + | Some imported Android phones might not support VoLTE when used in Australia due to software or firmware limitations, and may require manual or 'unofficial' software / firmware updates in order to make them compatible with VoLTE. | ||
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| + | This will be an essential feature once 3G networks in Australia are fully shut down in 2024. In the absence of 3G, any mobile phone that doesn't support Voice over LTE cannot place calls. | ||
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| ====== 4G bands ====== | ====== 4G bands ====== | ||
| - | Australia is currently using these LTE bands | + | The below is a list of the various 4G / LTE Bands that your smartphone should ideally support: |
| * B1 2100 MHz FDD [Telstra, Optus Tasmania, Vodafone] | * B1 2100 MHz FDD [Telstra, Optus Tasmania, Vodafone] | ||
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| * B7 2600 MHz FDD [Telstra, Optus] | * B7 2600 MHz FDD [Telstra, Optus] | ||
| * B8 900 MHz FDD [Telstra, a handful of sites, utilises spectrum previously used by 2G] | * B8 900 MHz FDD [Telstra, a handful of sites, utilises spectrum previously used by 2G] | ||
| - | * B28 700 MHz FDD [Used by all major network providers, including Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, TPG] | + | * B28 700 MHz FDD [Used by all major network providers, including Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, TPG]. This network frequency is particularly important for wide-area mobile coverage. To quote [[https://r-spectrum.com.au/resources/mobile-technology/4g/4g-frequency-bands/b28-700-mhz|R-spectrum]], this network band has "__unmatched propagation characteristics permitting wide area coverage in regional and rural environments, and excellent in-building coverage__". B28 support may be especially important for users living in rural areas where cell towers are less common. |
| - | * B40 2300 MHz TDD [Optus (Vivid Wireless)] | + | |
| - | The above is a list of 4G LTE frequencies. Some of these frequencies may overlap across different telcos, some do not, but you can generally expect that Telstra will provide the best experience in terms of signal strength and coverage. | + | Note that it's often not enough to match up just a single frequency, as Australian mobile networks are built using multiple frequencies and not all frequencies are available at every location. For the best performance, and for //4G carrier aggregation// to work, you should purchase a phone that supports all the LTE bands that the cell network provider uses. |
| + | |||
| **What Information on specifications should I be looking for** | **What Information on specifications should I be looking for** | ||
| - | It’s pretty easy to work out what you should buy. Different phone manufacturers may produce specific models for different regions and countries, so often the best way to ensure you get maximum compatibility is to just buy the Australian model from a local store. For example, the [[http://i.imgur.com/r6YHeWh.png|Nexus 5X comes in a few different versions]]. | + | The best way to ensure maximum compatibility with Australian carrier networks is to purchase your mobile device from a local retailer, and ensure that that device was designed for the Australian market. (This can also be important for consumer rights, such as warranty coverage, rights to repair or refunds). |
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| + | Mobile phone manufacturers often produce different versions of a handset to suit the different needs & technologies of different carriers around the world. When importing a handset from overseas, check to see if the handset is compatible with the full range of LTE network bands that your carrier deploys. Keep an eye out for the **model number** of the device, as they're used to differentiate between devices built for different countries or regions of the world. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Googling a specific model number should give you an answer as to what country or region that device was originally intended for. | ||
| + | |||
| + | You also can visit [[http://www.gsmarena.com/|GSM Arena]] or use [[http://willmyphonework.net/|Will my Phone work?]] to perform your research before you buy. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ====== 5G & 5G Bands ====== | ||
| + | |||
| + | 5th generation wireless systems refer to the ongoing deployment of improved networks that use low-band and mid-band sub 6 frequencies, as well as high frequency millimetre wave bands (mmWave) operating up to 60GHz. This can offer a theoretical peak data transfer rate of 20 gigabits per second although real-word performance tests conducted by Telstra in the Gold Coast has shown that their equipment can hit a peak speed of 3Gbps using mmWave bands. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The exact performance of 5G will largely depend on how the infrastructure is built, and which / how many of the different frequency bands you happen to be in range of when using the network. | ||
| + | |||
| + | You can read this [[https://venturebeat.com/2019/12/10/the-definitive-guide-to-5g-low-mid-and-high-band-speeds/|article by Venturebeat]] to further understand how network providers use a combination of low band, mid band and high-band 5G radio spectrums to provide 5G network access. | ||
| + | |||
| + | As 5G allows more devices to connect to the network at the same time compared to 4G, it's expected that 5G can relieve network congestion as smartphone usage continues to grow. | ||
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| + | It should be noted that 5G is not expected to fully replace 4G or 3G networks: instead, it will coexist with them and provide a faster fixed wireless internet alternative to 'traditional' fixed broadband or nbn. In addition, some MVNO's also do not offer 5G services as they aren't being sold 5G services by their supplying carrier. | ||
| - | However, if you’re importing from overseas you might run into some issues where the phone might only partially support your carrier and you might be missing some crucial (or not so crucial) LTE bands. Use [[http://www.gsmarena.com/|GSM Arena]] or use [[http://willmyphonework.net/|Will my Phone work?]] to find out what frequencies are supported and do your research before you buy! | + | To see if 5G is available in your area, simply consult your carrier's 5G Coverage & rollout maps. Note that 5G coverage is more limited compared to 4G, particularly in areas outside of capital cities and large metropolitan areas. |
| - | Some comments regarding these frequencies | + | The following is a list of 5G bands currently in use. |
| - | * 700Mhz, Band 28 - Widely regarded as a must-have LTE network band as it is the lowest band in the LTE frequency spectrum available to the market. This network band provides superior range to the previous best band which was 850mhz, and because of it's lower frequencies it boasts better building penetration, giving users stronger connections in buildings and enclosed areas. However, this band is fairly 'narrow' and while it provides better coverage in Australia, it won't allow users to reach peak speeds with just this band alone. | + | * 3500MHz (n78) – Telstra (from May 2019) |
| - | * 850Mhz, Band 5 - This network frequency was originally used for Telstra's obsolete analogue network (1G), then eventually allocated for 3G services on Telstra's NextG network. This band, like B28, offers good building penetration and relatively wide coverage. It is still being used by Telstra for providing 3G services, and Vodafone for 4G services. | + | * 3500MHz (n78) – Optus (from October 2019) |
| - | * 1800Mhz, Band 3 - This band offers no building penetration, and therefore, not practical in indoor locations. Provides additional 4G capacity in high density areas and services mostly locations that are closer to network towers. | + | * 3500MHz (n78) – Vodafone (from March 2020) |
| - | * 2100Mhz, Band 1 - First used by the "Three" network provider for 3G services, this network band has been repurposed to provide high-speed, and high-bandwidth coverage in high density areas. | + | * 2300MHZ (n40) – Optus (from June 2020) |
| - | * 2300Mhz TDD, Band 40 - Owned and deployed by Optus and also VividWireless (an ISP known for providing Fixed Wireless broadband services). It now also forms part of Optus's LTE network | + | * 700MHz (n28) – Vodafone (field tests May 2020) |
| - | * 2600Mhz, Band 7 - Deployed nationwide, with Telstra owning a larger chunk of the band. It is used for highly populated areas and is widely deployed by Optus. | + | * 850MHz (n5) – Telstra (from April 2020) |
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| * Whistle Out | * Whistle Out | ||
| * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4G_connectivity_in_Australia|Wikpedia]] | * [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4G_connectivity_in_Australia|Wikpedia]] | ||
| - | * http:%%//%%willmyphonework.net/ | + | * [[http://willmyphonework.net/]] |
Last edited by scrimshaw on 2022/06/27 14:32