Should I buy a dual-band, tri-band, or quad-band phone?
Which phone is right for you depends on where you want to use it. If you are traveling in Germany or Europe, a dual-band cell phone is sufficient. If you are also traveling in the USA or Japan, then purchase a tri-band or quad-band cell phone. You cannot use dual-band cell phones, especially D1 (GSM 900) and E-Plus (GSM 1800), in the USA.
Differences: dual band, tri-band or quad-band
- Basically, the name dual-band cell phone, tri-band cell phone and quad-band cell phone means how many frequencies are supported by the cell phone in terms of software and hardware. In concrete terms, this means that there are two frequencies, three frequencies or even four frequencies.
- Select all other technical features of the mobile phone according to your personal needs. Let yourself be guided by your individual usage habits.
The most common cell phone models in Germany
- Dual-band mobile phones can handle the GSM 900 and GSM 1800 frequencies. The tri-band cell phones can be used at the frequencies GSM 900, GSM 1800 and GSM 1900. Some dual-band cell phones also work if they support the GSM 900/1900 or GSM 1800/1900 standard. This combination of frequencies is rarely sold in Germany, so you have to opt for a tri-band or quad-band cell phone if you use a lot in the foreign countries on the way.
- The frequencies of GSM 900 are most common in Western Europe. With GSM 1800, the cellular networks are only just being set up in many European countries. The GSM 800 (850) / 1900 standard is used in the USA. Why not buy a tri-band cell phone or a quad-band cell phone. You can then use this anywhere in the world.
- In general, you have to note that a mobile phone will only work abroad if the foreign operator provides the same network standard as the local provider. Please also note that there is a roaming agreement with the country you are traveling to. An alternative is described below.
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Use the dual-band mobile phone with a regional SIM card
- It is best to buy a free cell phone with at least three different frequency bands. If there is no roaming agreement, purchase a local SIM card. These are usually available on a credit basis without concluding a contract. Talk to a member of staff at the local phone shop to take advantage of the domestic rate.
- You can find extensive information on the frequencies used and roaming partners in the respective countries on the Internet portal www.handytarife.de obtain. If the information available there is insufficient, simply follow one of the special links. On this portal you will find further information on the various countries and the frequencies used in the respective country. Special country information is also available on other portals.
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