Forum Discussion

jwwetz's avatar
jwwetz
Network Novice
2 years ago

Blacklisted foreign made Phones

What foreign made world smart phones ARE NOT blacklisted by T-Mobile?  I’m looking at buying a World class rugged smart phone with android OS, but most of the good ones are Chinese made.  Are ALL Chinese made phones blacklisted?  Or just some of them?  I’m a Blue collar guy that does travel internationally sometimes, so I’d like a rugged phone.  It seems easier to ask what I Can bring over to T-Mobile. 

  • No devices are blacklisted!  The device just needs to support the correct bands T-Mobile uses to provide service and the VoLTE implementation the device uses must be the implementation T-Mobile uses.  T-Mobile uses the stock Google implementation, which is the issue with a lot of devices from overseas.  Chinese carriers use a propriatery VoLTE implementation that is not compatible with T-Mobile or any other North American carrier.  US carriers do not have 3G to fall back on to make calls so VoLTE is mandatory to be able to make and receive calls on T-Mobile's and other US carrier networks.

  • gramps28's avatar
    gramps28
    Router Royalty

    Any phone would have to support Tmobile's VoLte standard and it seems like Global made phones usually don't.

    Maybe @syaoran has more insight.

  • syaoran's avatar
    syaoran
    Transmission Titan

    No devices are blacklisted!  The device just needs to support the correct bands T-Mobile uses to provide service and the VoLTE implementation the device uses must be the implementation T-Mobile uses.  T-Mobile uses the stock Google implementation, which is the issue with a lot of devices from overseas.  Chinese carriers use a propriatery VoLTE implementation that is not compatible with T-Mobile or any other North American carrier.  US carriers do not have 3G to fall back on to make calls so VoLTE is mandatory to be able to make and receive calls on T-Mobile's and other US carrier networks.