Will my GSM 1800 (no 900) work in Ireland and Spain?

[levingesundheit]

I have a triband American unlocked phone, and it only has one of the networks used in Europe--1800 but no 900. How well will this work in Ireland and Spain? Does anyone know which networks have more 1800 service than 900 service?

Thanks,

Michael

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by levingesundheit

I have a triband American unlocked phone, and it only has one of the networks used in Europe--1800 but no 900. How well will this work in Ireland and Spain? Does anyone know which networks have more 1800 service than 900 service?

Thanks,

Michael

Welcome to WA. I have never left the country without a 900/1800 phone so I cannot speak from personal experience, sorry.

According to the GSM coverage maps it unfortunately looks like both Ireland & Spain are predominantly 900 over 1800.

Spain

Ireland

Hope this helps some.

[levingesundheit]

I've looked at that website before. Does 900/1800 mean that there is more 900 or does it just put the lower number first?

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by levingesundheit

I've looked at that website before. Does 900/1800 mean that there is more 900 or does it just put the lower number first?

yes, they just put the lower number first.

I was wrong sorry, (that's what happens when I post before coffee.) . Spain & Ireland both have enough 1800, you should be fine. I am sure you realize that you do run the risk of not having complete coverage everywhere w/o the 900 just as you would in the US w/o 850.

In general Europe has enough 1800 coverage to suffice for just visiting purposes. Have you thought of buying an inexpensive 900/1800 or 900/1800/1900 phone for this trip?

[levingesundheit]

I am thinking about buying a phone like that. Do you think it would just be best to buy one of those phones once I'm in Europe already?

[dmapr]

Originally Posted by levingesundheit

I have a triband American unlocked phone, and it only has one of the networks used in Europe--1800 but no 900. How well will this work in Ireland and Spain? Does anyone know which networks have more 1800 service than 900 service?

Thanks,

Michael

When I was in Ireland, I had a 900/1800/1900 and a 850/1800/1900 phone with me. The latter was not able to see any signal outside large cities.

[Charlyee]

Originally Posted by levingesundheit

I am thinking about buying a phone like that. Do you think it would just be best to buy one of those phones once I'm in Europe already?

I like to be prepared when I land, so I would buy it in the US. Sorry I don't really know which way it would be better, could just be personal preference.

Originally Posted by dmapr

When I was in Ireland, I had a 900/1800/1900 and a 850/1800/1900 phone with me. The latter was not able to see any signal outside large cities.

I knew somebody would be able to provide better details than I was. Thanks dmapr.

[RadioRaiders]

Originally Posted by levingesundheit

I am thinking about buying a phone like that. Do you think it would just be best to buy one of those phones once I'm in Europe already?

Probably. In Switzerland you can buy pre-paid packages with a phone (900/1800, SIM locked for 2 years), SIM card and about 10 minutes talk-time included for about $40 USD. That's a perfect deal for visitors.

Check the Irish operators website and see what their offers are, or ask someone who lives in Ireland. I imagine they have some similar offers that the Swiss operators have.