From: stephen@sprunk.org

On 22-Apr-15 12:29, Adam H. Kerman wrote:
> Stephen Sprunk  wrote:
>> However, because carriers use different technologies, phones can't
>> roam between networks to fill in dead spots.  Using the same
>> technology doesn't guarantee roaming agreements will exist, of
>> course, but using different technologies completely precludes
>> them.
>
> My previous GSM phone could work within four frequency bands,

Yes, 800/1900 in ITU Region 1 (Americas) and 900/1800 in ITU Regions 2
and 3 (everywhere else).  Tri- and quad-band GSM phones are the norm
these days because vendors can get better economy of scale with one chip
for all markets than different chips for different markets, which means
cheaper GSM phones for everyone.  That's my entire point!

> so I think it would have worked on any GSM carrier in the world

... but not on non-GSM US carriers.  Ironically, your GSM phone would
likely have better coverage overseas than it does at home.

S

--
Stephen Sprunk         "God does not play dice."  --Albert Einstein
CCIE #3723         "God is an inveterate gambler, and He throws the
K5SSS        dice at every possible opportunity." --Stephen Hawking

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