Will my phone work on the Fido network?

[Cawtau]

Hello,

Your device must be compatible with the Fido/Rogers network, which uses:

GSM ~ EDGE (2G) ~ on band 5 (850MHz) and/or band 2 (1900MHz)

UMTS or WCDMA ~ HSPA (3G) / HSPA+ (4G) ~ on band 5 (850 MHz) and/or band 2 (1900 MHz).

To access LTE network, the phone must be compatible with:

• Band 4 (1700/2100 MHz) and/or
• Band 7 (2600 MHz) and/or
• Band 12 (700 MHz)

  The more compatible bands/frequencies a phone has, the greater likelihood of service. That said, the phone does not need to be compatible with all of the bands/frequencies in order for it to work with the Fido/Rogers networks. Access to the networks would depend on the bands/frequencies of the surrounding towers. Not all of the towers use all of the bands/frequencies.

  Hope this helps 

Cheers

[Cawtau]

Hello,

  Following acquisitions from the 2014 Canadian 700 MHz spectrum auction, Fido/Rogers now also operates band 12 (700 MHz) in some provinces.

Cheers

[Cawtau]

Hello,

  As previously noted, there is little published information regarding the decommissioning of the Rogers GSM or 2G network. Most sources simply refer to the same Wikipedia link I referenced above. Interestingly, though, I did find this:

Taken from here.

  While I haven't been able to find any corroboration, the timeline does seem to fit. In addition, Rogers has replaced their earlier statement:

   In addition to being first in Canada with LTE, 4G HSPA+ and HSPA networks, Rogers operates Canada's only nationwide 2G GSM/EDGE network, and has committed support until 2018.

with:

   The only national carrier offering combined GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 4G HSPA+, LTE and multi-path digital fibre network technologies.

in their Enterprise Network Coverage page here.

  If proved correct, it might only slightly delay the inevitable sunset.

Cheers

[strauss44]

---

@Cawtau wrote:
  I'm guessing that your old Nokia phone is a 2G or GSM only device.

  It is true that Rogers is no longer increasing its GSM coverage footprint and has only committed to support its 2G GSM network until 2018 (see here). However, I think the likely reason you experienced those service outages along your road trip is because you might have travelled through areas not covered by Fido/Rogers' towers.

---

Hello Cawtau,

I was told there was Fido coverage in all the areas where we travelled, at least that's what I was told by Fido IT.  It's simply that the technology for our phone was on all the towers.  It's not really a problem for me, because where I live there still is coverage for my "old" techology phone.  When the time comes, I have no issue with having to upgrade if and when either the phone quits or if the tower equipment is demobed, whichever comes first.  I have had good service out of an already 7 year old cell phone.

[samgabbay]

Hey @Cawtau, Fantastic post, but it would be good to note on the answer post that the 2G Frequencies are to be disconnected in 2018, and users should maybe avoid using that band.

Cheers

[Cawtau]

Hello Samgabbay,

  Welcome to the community!

  Thanks! That's a great suggestion!

  Do you have any further information other than committed support until 2018? While it has been widely rumoured that Rogers plans to decommission the 2G (GSM) network by 2018, there has been no official statement from Rogers to that fact. Did you see my earlier post above? I just find it peculiar that the Rogers Enterprise description of their Network Coverage switched from ...committed support until 2018, to ... only national carrier offering combined GSM, GPRS, EDGE, 4G HSPA+, LTE... with no mention of 2018. Note that it's the same source -- referenced by Wikipedia-- which likely started the rumours with the original statement.

   Admittedly, I haven't been able to find any corroboration but if the dates in the graphic are correct, then the decommission of the 2G network won't occur until 2020.

Hope this helps

Cheers

[samgabbay]

Hey @Cawtau

Thanks  

Same story and this is the reason why i fear buying another 2G phone...Ive spoken with Customer support and no one seems to have a single idea about when the disconnection will actually occur. 

Appreciate the response

[jaggu2001]

Hi, I have unlocked iphone 6s and gettimg only 3g network. How do I get LTE? I have added APN but no luck. 

Thnaks,

JP

[FidoSaira]

Hey @jaggu2001

Welcome to the Community!

iPhones do not require APNs to be added manually. Can you please confirm how and where did you add it?

Have you checked your device's settings and enabled LTE?

Let me know how it goes.

[FidoAmanda]

Hey @jaggu2001!

Were you able to connect to LTE in the end?

The Community would like to know!

[TwitchyPuppy]

---

@jaggu2001wrote:

Hi, I have unlocked iphone 6s and gettimg only 3g network. How do I get LTE? I have added APN but no luck. 

Thnaks,

JP

---

Do you have an LTE SIM card? What type of mobile network is selected?

[Cawtau]

Hello,

  Rogers has officially stated their GSM sunset timeline:

Taken from here.

Hope this helps :Smiley:

Cheers