Some towns in Portugal have not 1800MHz network

[inquisitor]

That's normal. As far as operators have licenses for both frequencies, 900 and 1800 MHz (which is the case for all Portugese operators), they will always prefer 900 MHz over 1800 MHz, since the former has nearly double the range of 1800 MHz and so they need less base stations for the same coverage footprint. 1800 MHz is only used to expand capacity in urban areas or wherever necessary.
In other European countries there are operators, who have only 1800 MHz spectrum - there you would experience comprehensive coverage with your phone, as they don't have the alternative of going 900 MHz.

[adam917]

Originally Posted by inquisitor

That's normal. As far as operators have licenses for both frequencies, 900 and 1800 MHz (which is the case for all Portugese operators), they will always prefer 900 MHz over 1800 MHz, since the former has nearly double the range of 1800 MHz and so they need less base stations for the same coverage footprint. 1800 MHz is only used to expand capacity in urban areas or wherever necessary.
In other European countries there are operators, who have only 1800 MHz spectrum - there you would experience comprehensive coverage with your phone, as they don't have the alternative of going 900 MHz.

Really? Which countries in Europe use only 1800 MHz? I was under the impression that GSM was the standard there since the early 1990s before UMTS came along and that GSM started out as 900 MHz only, with 1800 being added later on.

[Effendi]

Originally Posted by adam917

Really? Which countries in Europe use only 1800 MHz? I was under the impression that GSM was the standard there since the early 1990s before UMTS came along and that GSM started out as 900 MHz only, with 1800 being added later on.

T-Mobile and Orange in UK both are 1800MHz only.
In Italy and Germany also Wind, E-Plus and O2 were 1800MHz only, now they have also EGSM900. I think also T-Mobile in the Netherlands should be 1800 only as well as Orange in Austria (now with some EGSM 900 too).

[petkow]

Originally Posted by adam917

...was under the impression that ...GSM started out as 900 MHz only, with 1800 being added later on.

I think GSM has been 900/1800 from the outset, with competitive licenses being awarded in either band.