The easiest way to buy a phone that will work on the Solavei network is to purchase one optimized for Solavei, from a provider such as GSMnation.com/solavei or GetAPhone.biz (you can order a phone from GSMnation during signup!).
If you’re buying a phone from another source, look for an unlocked phone from a GSM based carrier in the USA, such as T-Mobile or AT&T. The really good news — most unlocked iPhone 4S and all iPhone 5′s work with Solavei! The reason you need to look for an unlocked phone is that many phones are sold locked and will only work with the carrier they are locked to. Sprint and Verizon Wireless are CDMA based carriers, so their phones will not work on the Solavei network.
Android Phones “Compatible With the T-Mobile Network in the USA”.
If you purchase a phone compatible with the T-Mobile network in the USA, you will always be able to take advantage of all voice and text services as well as the full range of Data speeds (2G/3G/4G) available on the Solavei network.
AT&T Branded Android and iPhones (Limited Data Speeds)
AT&T branded Androids and iPhones will give full voice and text message functionality. As Solavei’s network provider, T-Mobile, updates its network in the coming months and years, AT&T phones will start working on 3G, in cities that have been updated.
Additional Phone Purchasing Tips
If you decide to purchase an unlocked phone, make sure to check all of the below items before making a purchase.
- While shopping online, ensure that the description specifically states which mobile carrier the phone is from.
- The phone is listed as unlocked from the mobile carrier. If you purchase a locked phone, remember that it will cost extra to get it unlocked.
- Check if the device is New or Used. A New device is more likely to have a good battery and a strong signal.
- Check that the seller is reputable and has a large number of positive reviews. Many major reputable online retailers sell unlocked Android smartphones.
The Phone I Purchased is Still Locked. Now What?
If you find that the phone you purchased is locked, you can still purchase an unlock code online. Just search the internet for “unlock mobile phone” and you will find many sites that will sell you a code to unlock your phone. Phones purchased as locked January 26th 2013 or later may only be able to be legally unlocked by the carrier who originally sold the phone.
Choosing a Phone with Technical Specifications
It is recommended that you read through the Solavei Phone Compatibility Advanced guide before proceeding with the below steps for choosing a new phone. CDMA based phones and any phones from Sprint or Verizon Wireless will not work with Solavei. If you want to purchase a phone based on technical specifications, it must be a GSM only phone.
Below are the GSM frequencies that are required for use on the Solavei network. Please note that there are 2 different sets of frequencies. The 2nd set will provide 2G only data speeds across most of the Solavei network with 3G speeds available in select cities. Both sets of frequencies will provide voice and text message abilities.
A GSM phone must have all 4 of the below frequencies to utilize all available data speeds across the entire Solavei Network.
- 850 MHz
- 1900 MHz
- 1700 MHz
- 2100 MHz
A GSM phone at minimum must have both of the below frequencies to work on 2G data, with 3G data available in select cities.
- 850 MHz
- 1900 MHz