Cell/Mobile Phone Coverage | Travel Tech - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 09:38:49 +0000

I have tried a search for this on google/ thorn tree, but all of the websites I am directed to are too tech savvy for me.

I have cheap Samsung 'sim free' e1080i phone bought in the UK. My sim card is o2/telefonica, and I have international roaming enabled, and part of my calling plan, so that isn't a problem.

My question is, will my handset work in Mexico & Guatemala? It is a "GSM, Dual-band (900 / 1800MHz or 850 / 1900MHz)" <- taken from product spec, I have no idea what that means.

It's not something I've worried about in the past, as until recently I've always had Nokia quad-band handsets, and haved had reception everywhere from Asia to South America to Western Africa.

Thanks

ONLINE

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:26:04 +0000

In the UK, dual-band phones operate on 900/1800 MHz, which is what your phone will be.
Unfortunately, Guatemala & Mexico use 850/1900 MHz, so your phone won't work there. You could either get a quad-band phone before you leave, or it may well be possible to pick up a cheap dual-band handset when you get there.

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ONLINE

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:40:54 +0000

OP - each country uses different radio frequencies to provide mobile phone receptions. Luckily the communications industry around the world has agreed on the standard frequencies to be used.

A quad band phone will work across 4 major frequencies meaning that it should work in most places around the world. Whereas a dual band phone like your Samsung will only work where those countries use the 2 frequencies.

If you plan on travelling a lot around the world, a quad band phone will be best. The other consideration will be SIM cards for use in different countries but that's a different topic.

Happy travels.

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