Buying new phone, understanding carrier compatibility

[fdjsfkls]

Hi,

I'm trying to buy a new phone. It's not one offered through Public Mobile.

But I'm confused about what to look for:

    Does it need to be unlocked?

    Does the listing need to say it supports Public Mobile as a carrier?

    Are there other carriers that are effectively the same, in terms of phone compatibility?

Thanks

[fdjsfkls]

Oh that would be great if I didn't already have one x) Thanks for the heads-up, anyway

[BKNS27]

@fdjsfkls 

I would suggest you take advantage of the free PM SIM offered today on the PM website!

[fdjsfkls]

awesome, thank you!

[fdjsfkls]

awesome, thanks!

[hairbag1]

@fdjsfkls 

that cell phone will be perfect here on PM network.

added...

if / when PM ever decides to go to volte, you'll be happy to know your S10e is volte ready !!  😎

[BKNS27]

@fdjsfkls 

Yes, it will work with PM since the Samsung S10e is a 2019 phone.

[fdjsfkls]

Oh wow, okay. Thanks for the super-detailed info!

[fdjsfkls]

Oh interesting, ok. I wonder why so many listings say unlocked, then list a bunch of carriers... anyway, thanks

[esjliv · Accepted solution]

@fdjsfkls 

Public Mobile uses the following frequency bands:

• 4G LTE and LTE Advanced: 700 MHz, 850 MHz (band 5), 1900 MHz (band 2) and 2100 MHz downlink and 1700 MHz uplink (AWS).
• HSPA: 850 MHz, 1900 MHz (UMTS).

Always good to check whether a phone will work with any provider, especially Public Mobile. Use more than one source to be sure.

https://www.kimovil.com/en/frequency-checker/CA

https://willmyphonework.net

https://www.frequencycheck.com/

• 3G or WCDMA 2 (1900 MHz ) and 5 (850 MHz) bands  makes the phone compatible, which is needed for phone calls, and can also be used for text messaging and data.
• LTE can be used for text messaging and data.  Data will work on the HSPA network.  

[fdjsfkls]

Okay, good to know.

I'm looking at the Samsung s10e

[BKNS27]

@fdjsfkls 

The must should be unlocked to work with all carriers. If the phone you are looking at is 2017 or newer…It will be unlocked.

If the phone is older than 2017, it will only work if it is locked by Telus or Koodo.

It won’t work if locked by other carriers like Bell or Rogers etc.

[hairbag1]

@fdjsfkls 

what make / model are you considering ?

added...must be unlocked and not reported as stolen / blacklisted.