Holy PRL Confusion Batman! ( Sprint Service Lacking)
Hello. It's me again and I'm having the exact same problems I had earlier with getting my account flagged for a PRL update.
Last time, after I had just bought the phone I had to call in a bunch of times in order to finally get to someone who knew what PRL update was, how to flag an account for one, and was actually able to flag my account for one. Most reps would try to tell me I was up to date and did not need one. This was inaccurate.
Now in the present, I find myself in the same problem. I have PRL version 10029. It has come to my attention Sprint released version 10030 in early January.
I have called in over ten times now. Four of the reps had no idea what a PRL update is. One told me that I would need to go the store t...
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Last time, after I had just bought the phone I had to call in a bunch of times in order to finally get to someone who knew what PRL update was, how to flag an account for one, and was actually able to flag my account for one. Most reps would try to tell me I was up to date and did not need one. This was inaccurate.
Now in the present, I find myself in the same problem. I have PRL version 10029. It has come to my attention Sprint released version 10030 in early January.
I have called in over ten times now. Four of the reps had no idea what a PRL update is. One told me that I would need to go the store t...
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LOL....ok, you have 10029 & 10030 is avail. for non power vision phones. when you call in ask for the technical dept. if they tell you that you are up to date, tell them to please flag you anyway. then wait 10 or so minutes, call *2, and it will say "PHONE UPDATING THIS MAY TAKE A FEW MINUTES".
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Believe me, I have tried to get them to do that. They always say that they are unable to if they even know what a PRL update is.
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All this over a PRL.
I understand your frustration having to call in numerous times but over a PRL update. Really unless you roam ALOT updating your PRL's (Preferred Roaming List) really doesn't make that much of a difference. Also unless you live or travel in the Kentucky area and Charlotte NC PRL 10030 won't really effect you.
Again I understand your frustration but did you ever think about going into a store and having them flag it or better yet having the technician do it.
I understand your frustration having to call in numerous times but over a PRL update. Really unless you roam ALOT updating your PRL's (Preferred Roaming List) really doesn't make that much of a difference. Also unless you live or travel in the Kentucky area and Charlotte NC PRL 10030 won't really effect you.
Again I understand your frustration but did you ever think about going into a store and having them flag it or better yet having the technician do it.
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All this over getting the service I pay for.
Let me give you a bit of backstory. When I bought the phone the firmware and prl where extremely out of date.
When I inquired of the service rep in the store, they informed me that they were current, to which I replied, "You might wanna double check that considering I know for a fact that they are out of date. Are you just telling me what I want to hear or do you actually know?" The service rep then admitted, she had no idea.
After speaking to the "technician" I was told that the phone was indeed out of date and that I would need to leave my phone there for the day and I could come pick it up in the morning. I inquired why it would take so long and was told that it was because flash...
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Let me give you a bit of backstory. When I bought the phone the firmware and prl where extremely out of date.
When I inquired of the service rep in the store, they informed me that they were current, to which I replied, "You might wanna double check that considering I know for a fact that they are out of date. Are you just telling me what I want to hear or do you actually know?" The service rep then admitted, she had no idea.
After speaking to the "technician" I was told that the phone was indeed out of date and that I would need to leave my phone there for the day and I could come pick it up in the morning. I inquired why it would take so long and was told that it was because flash...
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I live in Kentucky area, Please explain Sprint flagging your phone and what your roaming has anything to do with it. I was constantly in Sprint stores asking them to update my phone just because the Vision Network (wireless internet) wasnt working properly. Is there more to it?
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Again from what I have been told over the years and have researched myself; PRL's help determine what tower your phone will use when ROAMING. Therefore if you do not roam you and your phone will see no benefit from a PRL update. If you do roam then updating your phone is crucial.
To answer your question: A PRL update will not fix problems with your phone. If you are having issues with the web then a software update is what you are looking for. A PRL update has nothing to do with the Vision Network.
To answer your question: A PRL update will not fix problems with your phone. If you are having issues with the web then a software update is what you are looking for. A PRL update has nothing to do with the Vision Network.
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Again from what I have been told over the years and have researched myself;
What you are basically saying is "trust me". Considering the infamous poor service of cellular representatives, I wouldn't.
PRL's help determine what tower your phone will use when ROAMING. Therefore if you do not roam you and your phone will see no benefit from a PRL update.
Gee that's interesting, considering many of the definitions for a PRL state otherwise. Why didn't any of those come up in your 'research'? Are you just choosing to ignore them because they do not coincide with your definition?
From Micheal's post:
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But the PRL is more than that. It's also used to find your o
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PRL means Preferred Roaming List. What more of a definition do you want. Oh and ROTFLMAO (what I am doing reading all these posts) means rolling on the floor laughing my @ss off. In case you needed the definition of that too.
Here is what I have for PRL 10029:
10029 15-Aug-05 Increases domestic digital roaming and expands the international roaming arena for new roaming partners that are scheduled to be implemented in 4Q 2005. Added Coverage: (Service will not be available in these areas until they launch) - SK Telecom (Korea) & Reliance (India.)
And for PRL 10027:
10028 3-Jun-05 Added coverage in El Salvador, Uruguay, and Guatemala. Added new roaming preferences. Added future Strategic Roaming Alliance partners.
What m...
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Here is what I have for PRL 10029:
10029 15-Aug-05 Increases domestic digital roaming and expands the international roaming arena for new roaming partners that are scheduled to be implemented in 4Q 2005. Added Coverage: (Service will not be available in these areas until they launch) - SK Telecom (Korea) & Reliance (India.)
And for PRL 10027:
10028 3-Jun-05 Added coverage in El Salvador, Uruguay, and Guatemala. Added new roaming preferences. Added future Strategic Roaming Alliance partners.
What m...
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Then explain to me why the Sprint technician I have been speaking to claims otherwise.
His explanation closely matches my own and even went further to say that the some of the confusion lies with the original use of the PRL and the current use of the PRL. Apparently it's role has expanded over the time it has existed.
Like Captainplooky said, you are just saying "trust me" and can not provide anything to suggest what we are saying is not true other then the fact that you are a rep of some type. Considering the level of competence of the reps I have encountered so far, that is not a qualification I hold in high esteem.
Even Wikipedia, while incomplete, addresses exactly what I have
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His explanation closely matches my own and even went further to say that the some of the confusion lies with the original use of the PRL and the current use of the PRL. Apparently it's role has expanded over the time it has existed.
Like Captainplooky said, you are just saying "trust me" and can not provide anything to suggest what we are saying is not true other then the fact that you are a rep of some type. Considering the level of competence of the reps I have encountered so far, that is not a qualification I hold in high esteem.
Even Wikipedia, while incomplete, addresses exactly what I have
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The PRL indicates which bands, s
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Straight from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preferred_roaming_list »
The Preferred Roaming List (PRL) is a data file for wireless phones (primarily CDMA and PCS services) which provides a list of ALTERNATE networks to use when the service provider's and/or subscriber's primary wireless network CANNOT BE REACHED. The PRL indicates which bands, sub bands and service provider identifiers it should accept. Without a PRL, a cellphone may not be able to ROAM, i.e. obtain service OUTSIDE THE HOME AREA.
On many networks, regularly updating the PRL is advised if the subscriber uses the device OUTSIDE THE HOME AREA frequently, particularly if they do so in multiple different areas. This allows the phone to choose the best ROAMING carr...
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preferred_roaming_list »
The Preferred Roaming List (PRL) is a data file for wireless phones (primarily CDMA and PCS services) which provides a list of ALTERNATE networks to use when the service provider's and/or subscriber's primary wireless network CANNOT BE REACHED. The PRL indicates which bands, sub bands and service provider identifiers it should accept. Without a PRL, a cellphone may not be able to ROAM, i.e. obtain service OUTSIDE THE HOME AREA.
On many networks, regularly updating the PRL is advised if the subscriber uses the device OUTSIDE THE HOME AREA frequently, particularly if they do so in multiple different areas. This allows the phone to choose the best ROAMING carr...
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You do realize that Wiki is user based and can and does have many flaws and details omitted?
Btw, are you agreeing now?
You seem to have posted exactly what Michealk has without the detail. You both agree from Wiki:
whereas a more thorough explantion clearly states:
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Btw, are you agreeing now?
You seem to have posted exactly what Michealk has without the detail. You both agree from Wiki:
The PRL indicates which bands, sub bands and service provider identifiers it should accept
whereas a more thorough explantion clearly states:
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But the PRL is more than that. It's also used to find your own provider's systems. That's because your provider may not be using the same band in every market.
n 800 MHz cellular, each market has two bands called A and B. When the 1900 MHz PCS bands were opened, there were six named A, B, C, D, E and F.
These have been aucti
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I suggest going to
http://www.pcsintel.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa= ... »
Then scroll down to the Sprint section and check that the firmware version of your phone matches the latest version. To check what version your phone has you generally need to go to the menu -> phone info -> version (or something similar).
It should also list your PRL version.
If you find that your firmware (the software for the hardware of the phone) is out of date, you can see if your phone can update this over the air by selecting the correct menu option (data charges might apply).
If you can not, you will have to take it to a corp store and inform them you would like the firmware upgraded. I was told it would take a day when I asked, ...
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http://www.pcsintel.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa= ... »
Then scroll down to the Sprint section and check that the firmware version of your phone matches the latest version. To check what version your phone has you generally need to go to the menu -> phone info -> version (or something similar).
It should also list your PRL version.
If you find that your firmware (the software for the hardware of the phone) is out of date, you can see if your phone can update this over the air by selecting the correct menu option (data charges might apply).
If you can not, you will have to take it to a corp store and inform them you would like the firmware upgraded. I was told it would take a day when I asked, ...
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I still do not understand why the customer servcie reps would have a different version number for the PRL they believe I have versus what my phone actually displays.
Why do they have V0298 as my version for PRL and my phone lists 10029?
Why do they have V0298 as my version for PRL and my phone lists 10029?
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Sounds like they gave him the firmare version and not the PRL version.
I know this may sound a little rediculous to get a PRL update, but have you tried telling Claire" cancel service "? This should get you to the retention dept., who actually seems to have their stuff together.
Then again if you don't roam much, this would pretty much be pointless for you.
Just my 3 cents.
I know this may sound a little rediculous to get a PRL update, but have you tried telling Claire" cancel service "? This should get you to the retention dept., who actually seems to have their stuff together.
Then again if you don't roam much, this would pretty much be pointless for you.
Just my 3 cents.
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No I have not tried calling Claire and saying "cancel service". I might try that in that future.
The other thing is they did not give me the firmware version of the software either.
The number I was given by the reps did not match any version number for my phone. It did not match my firmware version, hardware version, PRL version or my browser version.
I don't understand why or what they were looking at to get the number V0298.
The other thing is they did not give me the firmware version of the software either.
The number I was given by the reps did not match any version number for my phone. It did not match my firmware version, hardware version, PRL version or my browser version.
I don't understand why or what they were looking at to get the number V0298.
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Doesn't a PRL update give you access to any new (sprint) towers in your area that werent there when your phone was programmed and shipped? Thats what I was told by a Sprint Cust Care rep.
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Yes, as I understand it is not just for roaming, but also can help you locate your own carriers towers in the area.
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Myth #1 - a PRL upgrade will fix a phone problem.
FALSE
Myth #2 - a PRL upgrade will increase a phones reception, or have ANY effect on RF performance.
FALSE
Myth #3 - a PRL update programs the phones with new towers that have been built, therefore, a phone will not work on a new tower until it has the proper PRL.
Once again False...close to the truth...yet, so far away.
Here are the FACTS. PRL stands for Preferred Roaming List. It is a list of System Identification Numbers (SIDs). The Sprint PCS SID for medford is 4174. US Cellular is 436. AT&T is 61. Each carrier has a SID for a specific region, whether the SID is for a city, a county, or an entire state.
A PRL list contains hundreds...thousands of SIDS, from c...
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FALSE
Myth #2 - a PRL upgrade will increase a phones reception, or have ANY effect on RF performance.
FALSE
Myth #3 - a PRL update programs the phones with new towers that have been built, therefore, a phone will not work on a new tower until it has the proper PRL.
Once again False...close to the truth...yet, so far away.
Here are the FACTS. PRL stands for Preferred Roaming List. It is a list of System Identification Numbers (SIDs). The Sprint PCS SID for medford is 4174. US Cellular is 436. AT&T is 61. Each carrier has a SID for a specific region, whether the SID is for a city, a county, or an entire state.
A PRL list contains hundreds...thousands of SIDS, from c...
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The PRL is a list of bands and channels in order of preference which the phone uses when it attempts to locate and connect to a cell system, such as when you first turn the phone on.
Among other things, when your cell provider makes a deal with some other cellular provider to give you a roaming discount, the PRL will be updated to include that second provider's systems. Your phone can find a system which is not on the PRL, but it will try to find a system on the PRL before it uses one which isn't on it.
But the PRL is more than that. It's also used to find your own provider's systems. That's because your provider may not be using the same band in every market.
In 800 MHz cellular, each market has two bands called A and B. Whe...
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Among other things, when your cell provider makes a deal with some other cellular provider to give you a roaming discount, the PRL will be updated to include that second provider's systems. Your phone can find a system which is not on the PRL, but it will try to find a system on the PRL before it uses one which isn't on it.
But the PRL is more than that. It's also used to find your own provider's systems. That's because your provider may not be using the same band in every market.
In 800 MHz cellular, each market has two bands called A and B. Whe...
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It seems I'm not the only one trying to tell everyone PRL's only help when roaming.
Re: better reception..why?
by stevelvl Nov 4, 2004, 10:01 AM
PRL (Perferd Roaming List) is basically just a priority list. hear is what it does, It simply tells the phone which network to try and use first. THAT IS ALL IT DOES.
It has nothing to do with new towers. a phone with a prl from 3 years ago will find the same towers as a phone with the newest prl. how is this possible? a sprint phone will use any cdma or any amps network whether they have a roaming agreement with sprint or not. the phone will do this because the signal is there. the phone will pick up any signal it can use. it does not need to be told where the tower is or ...
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Re: better reception..why?
by stevelvl Nov 4, 2004, 10:01 AM
PRL (Perferd Roaming List) is basically just a priority list. hear is what it does, It simply tells the phone which network to try and use first. THAT IS ALL IT DOES.
It has nothing to do with new towers. a phone with a prl from 3 years ago will find the same towers as a phone with the newest prl. how is this possible? a sprint phone will use any cdma or any amps network whether they have a roaming agreement with sprint or not. the phone will do this because the signal is there. the phone will pick up any signal it can use. it does not need to be told where the tower is or ...
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🤣
I wonder how many people agreed the world was flat?
Seriously dude, you can't expect Micheal to believe much of anything you people say considering the level of service he has received so far and considering your response basically asked him "What's the big deal if you can't get the service you pay for".
I wish I could have been there to see the faces of the technicians who told him it would take a day to update the phone when he did it in front of them in less then 5 minutes.
Typical representatives, whose only qualifications are they can walk and talk. Nose-breathers need not apply.
I wonder how many people agreed the world was flat?
Seriously dude, you can't expect Micheal to believe much of anything you people say considering the level of service he has received so far and considering your response basically asked him "What's the big deal if you can't get the service you pay for".
I wish I could have been there to see the faces of the technicians who told him it would take a day to update the phone when he did it in front of them in less then 5 minutes.
Typical representatives, whose only qualifications are they can walk and talk. Nose-breathers need not apply.
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🙂 Well you are out of date too.
I have found this site keeps a good up to date list of prl's and latest firmware versions for phones.
http://www.pcsintel.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa= ... »
According to it, the current version for EV-DO devices is 20018.
Good luck getting that updated. Murphy's law would dictate that you have no problems with it whatsoever and will come back with a reply stating it.
I have found this site keeps a good up to date list of prl's and latest firmware versions for phones.
http://www.pcsintel.com/modules.php?name=Content&pa= ... »
According to it, the current version for EV-DO devices is 20018.
Good luck getting that updated. Murphy's law would dictate that you have no problems with it whatsoever and will come back with a reply stating it.
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Version 20218 is listed as the current version for EV-DO devices.
I forgot a '2' in the previous post.
I forgot a '2' in the previous post.
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Customer Service without Claire - Bumped to front of line (also known as the Red Phones)
1-866-306-7056
1-800-658-7564 (Retention Department, also can handle most customer service issues)
I lucked out finally. I called the "Red Phone" line and was connected to a nice woman who understood exactly what I had wanted and flagged my account in less then a minute.
I inquired if she would forward a complaint from me about the numerous times I had to call for this to happen (she even said my account had been notated several times from my earlier calls, I wish I could read those).
She wasn't really responsive, but I've decided since there is a record on my account of my previous calls, I am going to submit a...
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yeah they really don't teach us here on what to tell the customer regarding prl updates....i've actually learned more from you guys than sprint.
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captainplooky said:
I hope that Iheartsprint sees this.
Just b/c he learned it here doesn't mean it's true. 😛 What if he didn't learn it in CC b/c it's either untrue or unnecessary?
What I remember regarding PRL's (and this is over 2 yrs ago), it was JUST the list of roaming partners and had no effect WHATSOEVER on anything else, including in-coverage signal. Sups and managerse tended to stress this quite a bit b/c reps would tell custs it would fix signal issues, and it NEVER did. And, if I am recalling correctly, if a customer called up on their handset and needed a PRL, a pop-up would come up on the screen indicating it, so the rep could tell the cust. Now, regarding getting the service he is...
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Now, regarding getting the service he is paying for, is he getting the coverage he is supposed to? Then he is getting the service he is paying for.
Your over simplified mindset of what a value service is demonstrates quite clearly the obstacles consumers must face.
And, if I am recalling correctly, if a customer called up on their handset and needed a PRL, a pop-up would come up on the screen indicating it, so the rep could tell the cust.
Apparently you do not. Try reading MichealK's post again where he clearly states having to deal with numerous representatives (not an uncommon occurrence if you search the web).
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no one in this call center truly understands what the whole prl update is about
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captainplooky said:...
Your over simplified mindset of what a value service is demonstrates quite clearly the obstacles consumers must face.
I am also a consumer. 🙄
Apparently you do not. Try reading MichealK's post again where he clearly states having to deal with numerous representatives (not an uncommon occurrence if you search the web).
Oh, I read it. But apparently you didn't read what I'D said. If a customer NEEDED a PRL update, it come up with a pop-up indicating it. Just b/c there was a new PRL update, doesn't mean the customer needed it. As IHeartSprint indicated earlier, the PRL update may have been for a different area than Michael was
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your phone is dropping calls because you need a prl update it will fix it, lemme guess someone told you a prl update will fix it.. it does not hurt to get a prl update but it most cases it does not help for drop call issues, perfered roaming list is what it says, its just the code in your phone that that tells the system what tower the carrier wants you to roam on, for instance the ones that they have agreements with.. 🙂
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no need to with my phone, it works great everywhere........however, I have a friend who lives in a neighborhood where service on his 8200 was awful, and he was on a 10024 prl.......I updated it thru cust. care, even though they said it didn't need one I insisted on it and got it done, and he never drops a call at home on the 10029.
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Just an FYI, i didn't read all the replies because theres too much. I work for Sprint Business Services and doing a PRL update doesn't mean a thing. I don't care what a store or sales specialist might put in your head; this does not fix coverage or signal issues.
The 10030 PRL update only updated roaming partners in the state of Virginia (from what i read last month). If your in that area you were automatically flagged for it and by hitting *2 you can get it.
Otherwise, a PRL update wont give you anything. Unless your going to go out of the country to Canada and Mexico where other carriers have towers (I.E. T-Mobile), than a PRL update will update the roaming partners list in your phone and you will have a better chance to catch a towe...
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The 10030 PRL update only updated roaming partners in the state of Virginia (from what i read last month). If your in that area you were automatically flagged for it and by hitting *2 you can get it.
Otherwise, a PRL update wont give you anything. Unless your going to go out of the country to Canada and Mexico where other carriers have towers (I.E. T-Mobile), than a PRL update will update the roaming partners list in your phone and you will have a better chance to catch a towe...
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Frost 271 said:
Otherwise, a PRL update wont give you anything. Unless your going to go out of the country to Canada and Mexico where other carriers have towers (I.E. T-Mobile)
please explain how a CDMA phone will work on a GSM tower?
Otherwise, a PRL update wont give you anything. Unless your going to go out of the country to Canada and Mexico where other carriers have towers (I.E. T-Mobile)
please explain how a CDMA phone will work on a GSM tower?
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