my new AWS iPhone says on the back that it supports 3G on AWS might want to check on the back of the case first. this serial number thing isn't too trustworthy ImhoI had to do an exchange of my iPhone5 due to Wifi issues and stumbled on this thread while searching for the model#.
So what I got is a A1428 with serial# ending in FH19. From reading this thread, I should have the unlocked phone with the AWS enabled.
I took the SIM card from my friend's T-Mobile iPhone5(with the signal clearly showing 4G) and popped into mine. While it definitely picked up the T-Mobile signal, it was stuck on edge with an E. Multiple reboots didn't change that. When I popped it back in my friend's iPhone, it registered 4G.
I am able to enter the field test mode, but there is no UMTS info there. What gives? What am I missing?
Image
----------
According the apple's site, nothing has changed regarding the Serial # last 4 digit combo which differentiates AWS vs Non-AWS model.
Being in Canada, I can confidently say the odds of you getting AWS model = Lower due to the fact that Wind + Mobilicity do not officially carry the AWS model and the fact that Apple's A1428 hardware model of the iPhone 5 is only sold in USA + Canada (and maybe 1-2 other countries) probably explains why you ended up with a Non-AWS model recently as Apple does not have the need to carry the AWS model there, hence they probably dumping their old stock of new phones that they cannot issue out as replacements within USA (as T-Mobile requires AWS and Apple knows best to replace old AT&T models with added T-Mobile compatibility).
I live in mexico and all phones in premium retailers and carrier stores are already aws 3g compatible I've been reading the labels on the box lately (it says on the back where the label is). the old model was definitely discotinued. he probably got unlucky there with a replacement.