Using Japanese phones in Canada

January 15th, 2006, 07:24 PM

Hello all,

I've been searching the board looking for an answer to this question, but I haven't been able to find it -- so my apologies if it's already been answered somewhere.

A friend has just moved to Japan and has offered to buy me a cellphone. I have my eye on one of the new Sony Ericsson phones that should be out now, the SO902i.

[I can't get the link to work, so please copy and paste:
http://newgmobile.com/?i=model&id=4
(in English)]

My question is, though, are there any networks in Canada compatible with such a phone? The website says that it uses the WCDMA / UMTS (FOMA) network. My current contract is coming to an end, and I'm not attached to renewing it, so my first criteria for choosing a new provider would be one which is compatible with a Japanese phone (if there are any).

Thanks for your help.

rob h.

January 16th, 2006, 11:20 PM

WCDMA / UMTS is 3G, Rogers is planning to launch it around end of summer (IT IS NOT OFFICIAL YET). But I suggest to wait, even Rogers has 3G, the frequencies will be different, so the phone you're looking for might not work.

kalok~

January 17th, 2006, 10:42 AM

if your taking about the Sharp 902i it works fine in canada as long as its unlocked. only new Sony ericsson model is the W900 and that works great in canada too. you'll hafta change the wap/mms/internet settings but its a really decent phone. Cant be waiting for 3G in canada, with the frequencies they use you wont be able to find cool unique phones, only the stuff rogers sells.

if u want a really good unit get a nokia N80

January 24th, 2006, 03:01 PM

Thanks for your responses. I think I will renew my contract for one year and see what happens. On a related note, could you please recommend a website that outlines the various countries' cellphone network specifications, so that I can easily find other phones which should be compatible with Canadian networks? I don't have a lot of money spend, but I have to say that I'm terribly disappointed with the selection of phones available through the three main Canadian providers -- where are the small phones and the 3MP cameras?

Thanks again.

rob h.

January 24th, 2006, 03:14 PM

there are a few sites that sell unlocked phones for use in canada. www.blablabla.com is one that comes to mind (i have not shopped with them to comment on them though). Also check out www.howardforums.com

EDIT : I do not want to see a website for unlocking/servicing/selling/etc. Thanks

January 24th, 2006, 10:30 PM

hofo is pretty decent but for phone specs and professional reviews www.gsmarena.com or www.phonescoop.com are much better.

February 20th, 2006, 04:49 PM

Canada is so behind but slowly catching up. When I was in Japan 4 years ago, they had video phones with 3megapixel cameras...

June 8th, 2006, 10:55 AM

Do you have any idea what phones they will be launching with 3G?