Determining your Frequency:

This is a general list with help determining the frequency your carrier / phone uses:

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Differences

Repeater FAQ's

Cingular (AT&T) = Both frequencies but primarily 1900MHz

800MHz (TDMA system - NOT GPRS or GSM) - Old AT&T System now dwindling

1900MHz (aka; GPRS, GSM, Next Generation phones) - Newer system with SIM Cards

850MHz (GSM in some areas)

Sprint = 1900MHz

T-Mobile = 1900MHz

Verizon = Voice Primarily 800MHz (CDMA) some 1900MHz in certain areas.

1900MHz for High Speed Data

Nextel = 806-869MHz (SMR frequencies - Does not use cellular frequencies)

Other Carriers, Read on...

When cellular began, the frequencies were 800MHz (analog). There were two carriers in every area. These companies have been around since the mid 1980's. They may have changed their names several times but not their frequencies. If your carrier has been around for that long, chances are that they are still using 800MHz. (only now they use digital in those same frequencies)

If your phone is in analog mode (not digital) it is using 800MHz

However, if your phone is using digital, it DOES NOT mean that you are using 1900MHz.

PCS, GSM, GPRS, Sim Cards, Sim Chips, Next Generation - These are all indications of a system running at 1900MHz.

TDMA and CDMA usually indicates an 800MHz system.

Check your phone model specifications in the manual or on the manufacturers web site. Many times your phone may only have the capability of one frequency range. In the case of Tri-Band phones, if it uses 900MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz, the first two are irrelevant for the US and you use 1900MHz exclusively here in the US.

If all else fails, call your local cellular dealership or the carrier directly. This is the most difficult and frustrating way to determine your frequency range. Here are some tips to try to make the task easier:

Don't accept the first person you talk to unless they sound like they REALLY know what you are asking. Too many times the customer service folks at the carriers blurt out the wrong answer and end up causing you to purchase the wrong frequency antenna (which defeats the whole purpose!) Another possibility is to call the local cellular shop and ask them. Many times they have a little more experience with knowing the frequency in your area.

When you call them, ask specifically --"Hello, I am your customer John Adams. I need to know what frequency range my cellular phone uses at my home / office in Green City, Michigan. It is either the 800MHz range or 1900Mhz. Do you know?"

If they don't know, ask for their technical support department.

Finally, if you are really stuck or you just don't want to mess with it, you can call us at 1(800) 238-2811 and we will try to put together enough clues that we should be able to determine the frequency range.

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Criterion Cellular - San Rafael, California, USA - 1(800) 238-2811

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