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Cellular Phones/3G vs 2G
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Question
Can a 3G cell phone work on a 2G network ???
Yes. Today, phones are backwards compatible. If there is no 3G signal in the area, they will drop down to 2G. It took around 5 years for the carriers to do away with the old TDMA network which came before GSM and once they did that, then old TDMA phones would no longer work. Eventually, that will likely happen with the 2G technology and eventually 3G. As the new LTE (4G) technology evolves, EDGE (2G) and 3G will be replaced. There are areas where the carriers are not replacing 2G with 3G (less populated areas).You don't have anything to worry about now. If you are buying a SIM unlocked phone, please just make sure that it works on the 850 and 1900 bands (GSM). If it only works on one of these, it won't work properly on the network. Hope this helps.
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DebiN
Expertise
I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.
Experience
Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.
Organizations
I belong to several organizations
Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications
Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years
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