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I purchased this phone directly from ST and am only getting 3g on Verizon. I spoke to ST a number of times and was given the run around. Why would you want to purchase this phone and not have the capability to use it with 4g/lte? They are pretty deceptive in how they market their phones/services. Well, I stuck my son's Tmobile nano sim card in and it showed up as 4g. I also looked up the IMEI number and it shows that the phone is GSM and works with 850/1900 MHz. I am thinking about getting a AT&T micro sim from ST and cutting it down to nano and using it. If I can get 4g from Tmobile (service in this area is spotty), will I be able to get 4g/lte from AT&T (better service in the area)?
Will there be things I will need to do after inserting the AT&T sim card? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. I'm not too savvy with this stuff.


Please read threads as its hard to re-answer all questions over and over:

Correction for you and those using Straight Talk:

In order to get LTE on Straight Talk / Net10, one must have a AT&T/T-Mobile/GSM Unlocked iPhone 5/5C/5S [iPhone 5 Model A1428 | iPhone 5C Model A1532 / A1456| iPhone 5S Model A1533 / A1457] as only these models will support LTE.

Note* Verizon iPhone 5C/5S Support Full AT&T/T-Mobile LTE bands, however Verizon iPhone 5 DOES NOT.

Those getting the iPhone 5 from Straight Talk / Net10 or Walmart --- You are getting the Verizon iPhone 5 A1429 model which does not support Band 4/17 LTE [Used by AT&T/T-Mobile] therefore you will only get 3G and that too on VERIZON Network, NOT ON AT&T / T-Mobie. However you can continue paying walmart your $25/month phone fee, and cancel your 3G service, buy a AT&T Compatible SIM from Straight Talk / Net10 BYOP program and pop it in to get AT&THSPA+ on 850MHz & 1900MHz on T-Mobile = 3G/4G service which is faster than Verizons CDMA 3G.

hope that helps
 
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Thanks Samulocks....... question

As I said I did pop my son's Tmobile nano sim in and it show Tmobile service 4g.
I also checked the IMEI number and it should that the phone was GSM and LTE was checked as available. Does it make any difference being a refurb? Here's a bit more info from imdi.info...... Again thank you for your help!!
Model: iPhone 5
Brand: APPLE

BASIC INFORMATION:
Device type:
Phone
Design:
Classic
Released:
2012 r.
SIM card size:
Nano Sim
GSM:
850 900 1800 1900
HSDPA:
850 900 1900 2100 HSPA+
LTE:

Dimensions (H/L/W):
123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm, vol. 55 cm³
Display:
RETINA Color (16M) 640x1136px (4.0")
Touch screen:

Weight:
112 g
Time GSM (talk/stand-by):
8 / 225 hrs. (9.4d)
Battery:
Li-Ion 1440 mAh
Built-in memory:
32768 MB
RAM Memory:
1024 MB
OS:
iOS
CPU type:
Apple A6
CPU freq.:
1200.0 MHz
QWERTY keyboard:
 
As I said I did pop my son's Tmobile nano sim in and it show Tmobile service 4g.
I also checked the IMEI number and it should that the phone was GSM and LTE was checked as available. Does it make any difference being a refurb? Here's a bit more info from imdi.info...... Again thank you for your help!!

All that info is useless to me as I've basically summed up the answer for the other person that asked before you and it makes no difference what so ever regarding refub or brand new.

Your iPhone 5 is the A1429 = Verizon Wireless model PERIOD -- Below are the highlights of your model:

- Lacks 1700AWS Support for T-Mobile therefore = 3G/4G is only available when you are in T-Mobile's 1900MHz coverage area = only available in/around major cities, otherwise you will be on EDGE [2G]

- Supports 3G/4G HSPA+ on AT&T

- Lacks LTE band 4 / 17 = No LTE Available when using T-Mobile or AT&T.
 
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thanks again Samulocks....... question

Thank you......I am just trying to inform myself as ST basically lied me when I inquired about phones/lcarriers/plans and I feel stuck with this Iphone 5. I called them and specifically asked if their Iphone 5 ( using Verizon) would provide me with 4g/lte and they said YES. I was not able to return the phone because it was beyond the 30 days. As I said I am not very savvy and trying to understand this stuff.
Lastly, why does the IMEI site list my phone as LTE capable if you are saying it isn't? Also, am I correct that by putting in an AT&T sim card, it will not give me 4g/lte service?
 
Thank you......I am just trying to inform myself as ST basically lied me when I inquired about phones/lcarriers/plans and I feel stuck with this Iphone 5. I called them and specifically asked if their Iphone 5 ( using Verizon) would provide me with 4g/lte and they said YES. I was not able to return the phone because it was beyond the 30 days. As I said I am not very savvy and trying to understand this stuff.
Lastly, why does the IMEI site list my phone as LTE capable if you are saying it isn't? Also, am I correct that by putting in an AT&T sim card, it will not give me 4g/lte service?


The iPhone is LTE Capable my friend but before iPhone 5S/5C were launched the previous iPhones were Carrier Specific lets just say, therefore the Verizon iPhone 5 did not have the required network frequency support for AT&T / T-Mobile LTE.

The new Verizon 5S/5C Models are "Universal" meaning they support LTE on Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile as well as full 4G Support [Meaning all 3G/4G Bands used by Verizon CDMA, AT&T HSPA+, T-Mobile DC-HSPA+42 1700AWS].

Have a look at this Apple Link, It will show you that not every model has all the bands for all the networks, ESP iPhone 5, You will see on the link that iPhone 5C/5S have the most # of bands = Support most # of LTE networks around the globe: https://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/

by putting in a AT&T SIM into your iPhone 5 you will get 4G Service, but no LTE.

AT&T 4G is faster than Verizon 3G that you are currently getting, and of course LTE is even faster than 3G/4G.
 
Thought I would share this:

Anyone wanting to have LTE on T-Mobile MVNO -- Go with MetroPCS - Since it got bought out by T-Mobile, one can sign up for its service and get access to 4G + LTE on all of T-Mobiles network.

It is the only T-Mobile MVNO that will offer LTE and Plans are as follows:

$40 = Unlimited Talk + Text + 500MB 4G LTE Data + Unlimited 2G Data
$50 = Unlimited Talk + Text + 2.5GB 4G LTE Data + Unlimited 2G Data
$60 = Unlimited Talk + Text + Unlimited 4G LTE Data

All MetroPCS Plans give you same thing that T-Mobile gives at $10 Lower rate!

$10 International Unlimited Talk Add-on's available.

No other T-Mobile MVNO offers LTE.
 
My mother in law has an an unlocked at&t iPhone 4 with the old ST at&t SIM card which she's been using by updating the APN settings via the T-mobile sim swap method.

If we get her the new ST LTE at&t sim, can we avoid having to do the sim swap in the future on the iPhone 4 with the latest iOS like on the 5 and 5S?

When I upgrade to the iPhone 6 later this year, she'll likely get my unlocked at&t iPhone 5. As I understand it she would need the new LTE SIM card anyways then to get LTE speeds. I figure if we get the new SIM card now, we can just cut it down to nano size at that time and pop it in the iPhone 5 then.
 
My mother in law has an an unlocked at&t iPhone 4 with the old ST at&t SIM card which she's been using by updating the APN settings via the T-mobile sim swap method.

If we get her the new ST LTE at&t sim, can we avoid having to do the sim swap in the future on the iPhone 4 with the latest iOS like on the 5 and 5S?

When I upgrade to the iPhone 6 later this year, she'll likely get my unlocked at&t iPhone 5. As I understand it she would need the new LTE SIM card anyways then to get LTE speeds. I figure if we get the new SIM card now, we can just cut it down to nano size at that time and pop it in the iPhone 5 then.

Ya, what you suggest will work, no issues.

Also you may even be able to get the new APN settings by simply going to "Settings - General - About" and waiting a minute or two...your carrier will change from "Home" to "TFW"
 
Ya, what you suggest will work, no issues.

Also you may even be able to get the new APN settings by simply going to "Settings - General - About" and waiting a minute or two...your carrier will change from "Home" to "TFW"

Great news and thanks! Main thing is I don't want to be the "middle man" anymore when she needs her APN fixed due to an upgrade. If we can avoid the sim swap all together, she can just use the phone and not have to call me when she looses mms and data. :D

Then when she gets the 5 she'll be all set too. Kill 2 birds with one stone so to speak.
 
Great news and thanks! Main thing is I don't want to be the "middle man" anymore when she needs her APN fixed due to an upgrade. If we can avoid the sim swap all together, she can just use the phone and not have to call me when she looses mms and data. :D

Then when she gets the 5 she'll be all set too. Kill 2 birds with one stone so to speak.

Awesome, I understand it can be frustrating explaining things to people [Even the ones we love] lol
 
I have a iPhone 5 T-Mobile (Unlocked by T-Mobile).

I now have ST with the newer LTE sim. I just got it a few days ago.

I updated the phone to 7.0.4 and itunes had a carrier update that I installed which chaned the provider in the top left from HOME to TFW.

Data works, imessage works, facetime works, but NO MMS to non iphone users!

I have even used the sim swap method and it has all of the correct settings.

apn: tfdata
username:
password:

MMS
APN: tfdata
username:
password:
MMSC: http://mms-tf.net
MMS Proxy: mms3.tracfone.com
MMS max Message size: 1048576
MMS UA Prof URL: http://www.apple.com/mms/uaprof.rdf

What am I doing wrong? I talked with ST and they are telling me my phone must not be compatible. I have also went to their link the provide to download the APN profile and no luck with that either same thing.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated,
Ryan

Can anyone answer this? I'm in the same exact situation except I only get "3G" showing in the top left with TFW as carrier. I really want LTE... Thanks.
 
Can anyone answer this? I'm in the same exact situation except I only get "3G" showing in the top left with TFW as carrier. I really want LTE... Thanks.


Did you bother reading my explanation? all the information about iPhone 5 from Verizon supports what and what not?

----------

I want to add to this thread that straight talk with its new Carrier Update it changes the "Home" on top left of the phone to "TFW"

They have also changed the 4G icon back to 3G -- however I advise people to use their brains and not think they are getting lower service.

3G = faux 4G that AT&T basically stamped as they wanted the iPhone 4S at the time to say "4G" to make their network look faster and sound futuristic.

In USA 3G icon = 4G icon = No difference between the two, its just a icon and does not represent the network you are connected to as the network quality, speeds and ping rates remain the same...not to mention you are connected to the exact same network all the time.....basically its just a gimmic

4G = LTE --- In Europe and many asian countries there is no such thing as LTE icon for iPhones, it simply says 4G when they are on a LTE network.

With Straight Talk showing "3G" icon you are still getting access to the same "4G" iconed network that other smartphones are on AT&T and its MVNO's.
 
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T-Mobile iPhone 5 on ST AT&T SIM

The iPhone is LTE Capable my friend but before iPhone 5S/5C were launched the previous iPhones were Carrier Specific lets just say, therefore the Verizon iPhone 5 did not have the required network frequency support for AT&T / T-Mobile LTE.

The new Verizon 5S/5C Models are "Universal" meaning they support LTE on Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile as well as full 4G Support [Meaning all 3G/4G Bands used by Verizon CDMA, AT&T HSPA+, T-Mobile DC-HSPA+42 1700AWS].

Have a look at this Apple Link, It will show you that not every model has all the bands for all the networks, ESP iPhone 5, You will see on the link that iPhone 5C/5S have the most # of bands = Support most # of LTE networks around the globe: https://www.apple.com/iphone/LTE/

by putting in a AT&T SIM into your iPhone 5 you will get 4G Service, but no LTE.

AT&T 4G is faster than Verizon 3G that you are currently getting, and of course LTE is even faster than 3G/4G.

I have an iPhone 5 from T-Mobile and I'm wondering if I'll be able to use it on Straight Talk AT&T LTE SIM?
Is this feasible or will T-Mobile iPhone 5 ONLY work with Straight Talk AT&T 3G/4G SIM?
Not sure if this question is answered in this post.....sorry if it is. Thanks
 
I have an iPhone 5 from T-Mobile and I'm wondering if I'll be able to use it on Straight Talk AT&T LTE SIM?
Is this feasible or will T-Mobile iPhone 5 ONLY work with Straight Talk AT&T 3G/4G SIM?
Not sure if this question is answered in this post.....sorry if it is. Thanks

If that iPhone is locked, you will only be able to use Straght Talk T-Mobile SIM --- Not Straight Talk AT&T SIM.

IF that phone is unlocked, you will get AT&T 3G/4G + LTE.
 
Whats the easiest way to swap her old at&t ST sim for the new at&t LTE ST sim?

Can it be done online without a call? The Start Here card that came with the new card says to go to straighttalkbyop.com. I assume its as simple as going to that site then clicking Activate/Reactivate at the top and selecting Transfer my Existing Straight Talk Service?

Thanks
 
Awesome, I understand it can be frustrating explaining things to people [Even the ones we love] lol


I tried it tonight on the iPhone 4. I had to do the sim swap method to enter the new APN settings. No matter what I did (reboot, hard reboot, reset network settings, or wait an hour) data and mms wouldn't work on the iPhone 4 without manually entering the APN setting. We had iOS 7.0.6 installed. Perhaps the 5 and 5S will be different? Don't have a spare SIM card to cut down to nano to test.
 
I tried it tonight on the iPhone 4. I had to do the sim swap method to enter the new APN settings. No matter what I did (reboot, hard reboot, reset network settings, or wait an hour) data and mms wouldn't work on the iPhone 4 without manually entering the APN setting. We had iOS 7.0.6 installed. Perhaps the 5 and 5S will be different? Don't have a spare SIM card to cut down to nano to test.


Did you go to: Settings -- General -- About screen and wait? thats where the update carrier notification shows up...
 
I had been using an AT&T iPhone 4S with straight talk for the past 18 months or so and the service was pretty decent.....nowhere near as good as regular verizon and slightly slower than contract AT&T service, but I was satisfied overall.
Until recently (last couple months) I noticed that my straight talk service had really slowed down and had become really spotting and Internet was horribly slow.

I heard a lot of talk on the forum about how good straight talk (att) LTE was, so I decided to give it a shot.
I bought an iPhone 5 (att) through secondary market, ordered new straight talk lte sim, transferred my account from old sim to the new lte sim, and popped the new sim into my iPhone 5.
End result is, I'm not the least bit impressed with new LTE service download speeds are just as bad if not worst that with old sim and it cost me about $300 in upgrades to find this out.
 

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I had been using an AT&T iPhone 4S with straight talk for the past 18 months or so and the service was pretty decent.....nowhere near as good as regular verizon and slightly slower than contract AT&T service, but I was satisfied overall.
Until recently (last couple months) I noticed that my straight talk service had really slowed down and had become really spotty and Internet was horribly slow.

I heard a lot of talk on the forum about how good straight talk (att) LTE was, so I decided to give it a shot.
I bought an iPhone 5 (att) through secondary market, ordered new straight talk lte sim, transferred my account from old sim to the new lte sim, and popped the new sim into my iPhone 5.....as I understand APN setting are automatically set, so there's no need to mess with anything.
End result is, I'm not the least bit impressed with new LTE service. Download/Upload speeds are just as bad if not worst than with old sim and it cost me about $300 in upgrades to find this out.

Has anyone else experienced the same after upgrading to new LTE in Southern California?
 
I had been using an AT&T iPhone 4S with straight talk for the past 18 months or so and the service was pretty decent.....nowhere near as good as regular verizon and slightly slower than contract AT&T service, but I was satisfied overall.
Until recently (last couple months) I noticed that my straight talk service had really slowed down and had become really spotty and Internet was horribly slow.

I heard a lot of talk on the forum about how good straight talk (att) LTE was, so I decided to give it a shot.
I bought an iPhone 5 (att) through secondary market, ordered new straight talk lte sim, transferred my account from old sim to the new lte sim, and popped the new sim into my iPhone 5.....as I understand APN setting are automatically set, so there's no need to mess with anything.
End result is, I'm not the least bit impressed with new LTE service. Download/Upload speeds are just as bad if not worst than with old sim and it cost me about $300 in upgrades to find this out.

Has anyone else experienced the same after upgrading to new LTE in Southern California?

Maybe your area has less # of towers and more users [congestion is higher] that is why you are not experiencing better service.

I have been using straight talk LTE SIM as well and so far it has been great, I was on AT&T GoPhone service which had no latency issues or anything as it is the exact same as AT&T Post-Paid service and I am not experiencing any issues with the ST ATT LTE SIM service --- speeds are also the same as AT&T GoPhone/Postpaid.
 
Maybe your area has less # of towers and more users [congestion is higher] that is why you are not experiencing better service.

I have been using straight talk LTE SIM as well and so far it has been great, I was on AT&T GoPhone service which had no latency issues or anything as it is the exact same as AT&T Post-Paid service and I am not experiencing any issues with the ST ATT LTE SIM service --- speeds are also the same as AT&T GoPhone/Postpaid.

Here's the strange thing about my service.....I can have terrible service one day and then decent service the very next day, same exact location (standing in my front yard). I've also checked Straight Talk and AT&T coverage areas and both carriers have my area highlighted in green, showing that my location is totally covered. Congestion could be the culprit, but I doubt it since I don't live near high rise business buildings, apartments, or other densely populated buildings.

Any how, here's a couple screenshots of LTE and 3G speedtests that I ran earlier today....again, same location as when I took the speedtest that I posted on my previous post.

6.97Mbps don't exactly seem like LTE speeds, although it is about 35% faster download than regular 3G.
 

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Here's the strange thing about my service.....I can have terrible service one day and then decent service the very next day, same exact location (standing in my front yard). I've also checked Straight Talk and AT&T coverage areas and both carriers have my area highlighted in green, showing that my location is totally covered. Congestion could be the culprit, but I doubt it since I don't live near high rise business buildings, apartments, or other densely populated buildings.

Any how, here's a couple screenshots of LTE and 3G speedtests that I ran earlier today....again, same location as when I took the speedtest that I posted on my previous post.

6.97Mbps don't exactly seem like LTE speeds, although it is about 35% faster download than regular 3G.

Yea, I think its just congestion in your area. I too get low speeds <6Mbps at times but then when Im in suburbs or farther away from city core I get much higher speeds.

Also with Straight Talk, Ping rates are higher because it is going through their proxy/servers rather than directly with AT&T and that also is a factor is slowing down a bit...I mean we pay less for the service and its mostly there for us to use rather than to measure how fast it is, All in all it gets everything done.
 
tmobile LTE

here is the problem i have. I have the a1533 tmobile 5s unlocked and i am unable to get the LTE on tmoible. it only has 3G. tried to sim swap and the tfdata but the LTE does not even show up under cellular and straight talk CSR is rather clueless. any advise?

thanks
 
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