1520.3 on T-Mobile

[BigJesusBoy]

Hello all,

I'm strongly considering getting the 1520.3 and using it on T-Mobile. I currently use the Lumia Icon on Verizon. Great phone, but Verizon is, as you all know, terrible regarding the Windows Phone experience.

Before I switch, however, I'd like to have a few questions answered.

How can I get WP 8.1 on it? Do I have to download the developer preview or can I get it without having to the dp?

How does the phone work on T-Mobile? Good service/connection? Is internet sharing working fine for folks? Or is that an issue too?

 

[worldspy99]

You will get LTE on TMO and internet sharing will work. Also I believe if you buy it new from B&H Photo Video then the phone will come with WP8.1 and Lumia Denim installed from the factory. Good luck!

 

[BigJesusBoy]

The B&H 1520.3 comes w/ WP 8 and Lumia Black.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

The B&H 1520.3 comes w/ WP 8 and Lumia Black.

Yes, but since no carrier is involved, it will offer to update to 8.1 and Cyan the first time you turn it on.

 

[RumoredNow]

Get the 1520.3. Use Lumia Software Recovery Tool to immediately flash 8.1 + Lumia Cyan. I did that back in August when I first got mine. The Variant B&H is selling has had the update since summer. I preferred to flash it via SRT to get a clean install.

If you get the 1520.3 you can use T-MoUS/AT&T/ or any SIM based mvno (reseller) in the US and get max data speed for whatever spot you are standing in for that carrier. No worries about is it refarmed for T-Mo LTE or not...

Now is your chance. YES - escape from Verizon. T-Mo is a good choice as there is no contract. BUT - they have penetration issues with their signal (especially through brick/stone) and the thing that offsets that is WiFi calling. Since your phone will not be T-Mo branded, you won't get WiFi calling. If AT&T has a strong signal where you live/work/frequent, they don't have penetration issues (or not as bad) and you may want to look at an AT&T mvno. This month I'm taking the wife and myself off T-Mo and going to Straight Talk with AT&T compatible SIMs. I have the SIMs and her unlock code for a branded Note 2, just waiting for the right spot in the billing cycle to switch bills over.

P.S.: Internet Sharing worked straight out of the box for me with 1520.3 on T-Mo.

 

[worldspy99]

A friend of mine got the 1520.3 from BH a few weeks back and it came with WP8.1.1 and Denim preinstalled. Enjoy the beast!

 

[HoosierDaddy]

A friend of mine got the 1520.3 from BH a few weeks back and it came with WP8.1.1 and Denim preinstalled. Enjoy the beast!

FWIW I just spoke to B&H and they stated that the new 1520s on their web site come with WP 8 and Black firmware. They sometimes sell used phones (not sure if online) and said those might have what was on the phone when they got it.

1520.3s that came with 8.1 and Black will auto update to 8.1 and Cyan.

I'm a little confused about your friend's 1520.3 having Denim even if he bought it used. These aren't carrier locked so the firmware updates should be offered to them as soon as its available at all and Denim isn't being offered yet. Any chance its just the documented bug that falsely reports Denim being installed?

 

[blowjet]

I received a Lumina 1520.3 (RM-938) from B&H Photo yesterday. Bought a new SIM at T-Mobile but I get "No Service" on the live tile and "No network found" in settings; cellular+SIM. I am in Zip 98020, 20 miles from the T-Mobile headquarters in Bellevue, WA.
Someone mentioned that the frequencies needed to be turned on. If so, how does one do that?

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I received a Lumina 1520.3 (RM-938) from B&H Photo yesterday. Bought a new SIM at T-Mobile but I get "No Service" on the live tile and "No network found" in settings; cellular+SIM. I am in Zip 98020, 20 miles from the T-Mobile headquarters in Bellevue, WA.
Someone mentioned that the frequencies needed to be turned on. If so, how does one do that?

You really shouldn't post the same question in multiple threads. Against the rules and annoying.

I answered in another thread.