Tre handset question

[johnacraft]

The Tre offer page says:

"In order to use 3's W-CDMA network you need an UMTS W-CDMA/GSM dual-mode phone. 3 ITA u-simcards will not work on GSM phones due to a software limitation made by 3 to avoid excessive roaming costs. All phones bought with 3 ITA are locked to their network, most of them are also locked to the sim-card sold with the phone."

I have a Motorola V3X that is branded for 3, but which has been updated with unlocked firmware ("flash") and unbranded software ("flex"). Does anyone have any insight on whether this phone would work as-is on Tre?

[Effendi]

If it's unlocked it works with 3, there's no problem. What you quoted is about the handsets sold by Tre Italia. Anyway now they changed their locking policy as well so I should update that page... Anyway it's always complicated to understand if a 3 Handset is locked to the sim, to the network or not...

[johnacraft]

Originally Posted by Effendi

If it's unlocked it works with 3, there's no problem. What you quoted is about the handsets sold by Tre Italia. Anyway now they changed their locking policy as well so I should update that page... Anyway it's always complicated to understand if a 3 Handset is locked to the sim, to the network or not...

Thanks. But I realize I was unclear in my question (not sufficiently caffeinated when I posted) - I am curious whether the phone will work as a tethered modem at full capability if it doesn't sport Tre software. (The UMTS rates and the Naviga option look interesting.) If it will connect, but only at GPRS, I'll just bring my Treo instead (and probably choose another carrier).

[Effendi]

You'll connect on 3G. If you are on GPRS the Naviga3 doesn't work (or better, it works, but you pay!).

Anyway I really have to update that page since the Naviga3 option is now much better: 50MB/day for 9€/month.

[johnacraft]

Originally Posted by Effendi

You'll connect on 3G. If you are on GPRS the Naviga3 doesn't work (or better, it works, but you pay!).

Anyway I really have to update that page since the Naviga3 option is now much better: 50MB/day for 9€/month.

Excellent - that makes Tre very attractive indeed.

Now if the universe will stop frustrating our travel plans so we can actually make the trip . . .

Thanks.

[Landis]

Originally Posted by Effendi

You'll connect on 3G. If you are on GPRS the Naviga3 doesn't work (or better, it works, but you pay!).

Anyway I really have to update that page since the Naviga3 option is now much better: 50MB/day for 9€/month.

Is that still valid? The 50mb/day only count when UMTS is available? And is it easy to buy a 3 Prepaid for non-Italians? Any confirmation or experiences on the validity period?

[Effendi]

The offer is valid and it works on 3G coverage only (also HSDPA in many places), I'm writing you right now with my laptop and the Naviga3 option using an old Motorola A835 as modem... and it works quite well. I suggest you to put your phone on 3G-only, so that it won't use TIM GPRS network...

Buying a 3 prepaid card should be not a problem, exactly like with the other operators. There's also an offer right now: you pay 20€ and get 20€ of credit at once, plus two bonuses of 5€ in the next two months (offer valid till 30/4/07).

To activate the Naviga3 option you have to call the toll free number 4321, but I don't know if you can choose English as language with 3... anyway, in case let me know that I can help you with Italian.

Validity period with 3 ITA is a total mistery! I've 3 prepaid cards and they never expired, even if I never refilled them! Now with the new law it appears that they should officially never expire, but with 3 you never know...

[Landis]

Ah, I thought you also had to pay when using GPRS via 3. I guess they don't have a GSM network

Sounds like a pretty good deal though, especially with HSDPA. I'll try to get myself a Card the next time I'm down in Italy.

Thanks for your help!

[Effendi]

Yeah, 3 has only 3G network, but you can roam on TIM GSM net everywhere in Italy, but you pay higher data rates...