Confused about 850 and 900 GSM.

[Guest Socrates]

I have read conflicting things. Some seem to indicate that 850 and 900 are really the same thing and that a Euro 900 phone will work just fine on US GSM 850 system. Others seem to say the two are different and incompatible.

What's the reality. I ask because I'm trying to figure out what my upgrade optionds from my SMT5600 really are here in Cingular hell in the States.

[Guest usdiver]

from what I understand the two are NOT compatible. you want the 850 for the states and 900 for europe. If you are staying in the states, then go with one that has 850. Better yet, check with cingular to make sure

[Guest martin]

The actual GSM bands are GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800 and GSM 1900.

To make it look better, is started off being called GSM 800, GSM 900, GSM 1800 and GSM 1900 therefore GSM 800 and GSM 850 are the same thing (there is no GSM 800 in reality).

GSM 850 and GSM 1900 are used in the US.

GSM 900 and GSM 1800 is used everywhere else.

Tri band is either GSM 850/1800/1900 (US version) or GSM 900/1800/1900 (European version).

Quad band is GSM 850/900/1800/1900