which 3g and LTE bands

podgeandrodge

I'm looking at the Xperia ZL right now, but question applies to all phones probably.

If you want 3g coverage worldwide are you better getting the 6502 model to maximise the coverage?

2G Network
GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - C6502, C6503, C6506

3G Network
HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - C6502, C6506
HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - C6503

4G Network
LTE 700 / 850 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - C6506
LTE 800 / 850 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600 - C6503


Thanks.


Edit: A prepaid simcard I purchased for travel in the US says I must have a phone that "uses the 1700/2100 Mhz frequency bands for HSDPA+" - I see that Ireland will be using the 800, 900 and 1800mhz bands for 4g so I am guessing that if I want to have a worldwide HSDPA+ phone I would have to lose out on 4g in Ireland...

podgeandrodge

anyone?

token56

From a standards point of view things would be fine an ideal world but unfortunately from an operator point of view it does seem only the 1700/2100 MHz band is being used by the major operators in america for HSPDA+. You can get HSPA on the 850MHz band in america which both phones do but obviously slower speeds.

For LTE in america it seems as though you need to be able to use both the 1700/2100 again (uplink is 1700 and dowlink is 2100 I think). In Ireland LTE is going to be a mix of 800, 900, and 1800. So I dont think either phone will provide worldwide LTE coverage.

It does seem as though most phones are being designed for individual markets unfortunately. I'd say gauge it on where you are going to spend most of your time and go for the phone which supports its frequency bands. C6506 - America, C6503 - Europe.

podgeandrodge

Thanks token56. You've confirmed my fears. Though I'm still tempted by the 6502 for total worldwide HSDPA+ as I'm not convinced that I won't have already changed phone before 4g LTE becomes a (cost effective) reality.