Telus WCDMA frequencies issue question

Bell/Telus operate two networks. Each has a legacy CDMA network which is capable of voice and data with CDMA phones purchased from Bell or Telus (or one of their flanker brands).

Additionally they operate a shared 3G HSPA+ network operating on the 850/1900 frequencies. This network supports both voice and data and operates independently of the legacy CMDA networks. They have no fallback to GSM like Rogers so devices on this network must support the right 3G bands. As stated by BGY11, supporting only one of 850 or 1900 may work but with decreased reliability and it's not recommended.

majortom said:

I'm just stating that in general in North America you want an 850/1900 Mhz phone,
regardless of the operator

Click to expand...

Not true.

AT&T (US), Rogers, Bell, Telus, MTS, and SaskTel all use 850/1900 for 3G
T-Mobile (US), Wind, Mobilicity, and soon Videotron and Shaw use 1700 for 3G

No, it won't. The current Nexus S has 3G over AWS and 2G over other bands. Bell/Telus only support 3G and have no GSM backup, and they use a different 3G frequency (850/1900).

The second one should definitely work. The first one only lists 2100 at the top but under basic technical parameters it lists WCDMA 850/1900/2100, so it might work as well.

It will work most places, but it may have reduced connectivity. I'd recommend picking up a cheap Telus HSPA+ phone.

It depends where you are. Most of the time I believe 850 is the frequency they use, but there will be some areas where 1900 is needed.

You might want to pick up a prepaid SIM and just see how signal is where you need it.