GSM frequencies

[cbass2781]

T-Mobile and At&T use GSM 1900, right? I heard somewhere that Cingular uses GSM 800, but I don't know if that's correct...

Basically, I'm wondering about phones from overseas. From what I understand countries other than the U.S. use GSM 900 and 1800--and those frequencies won't work in the States.

Right? Wrong?

Thanks.

[bobolito]

Yes, T-Mobile and AT&T use GSM 1900. Also, AT&T is installing GSM in the markets they have 800Mhz licenses so that will be GSM at 800Mhz. The band used for GSM depends on the license they own for the area. Cingular has a lot of 800Mhz licenses and some 1900Mhz as well. So, just like AT&T, they have GSM at both 800Mhz and 1900Mhz.

Much of Latinamerica uses 800 and 1900 just like the US. But Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia use 900 and 1800 exclusively with some exceptions in countries like Israel and few others.

If you are an overseas traveler, find out the bands they use in the country you are visiting. You can do a Google search for this. Based on that, get the phone that fits your needs. Most tri-band GSM phones will probably be ok for you.