Differences between NextG and 3G: Revisited

Most common question,

"Hi everyone,

Does anyone know the difference between the Bold 9700 3G & the 9700 Next G devices.

I know the NextG devices are Telstra software & stamped, and that they are also unlocked to any network.

Besides these is there anything else ?"

Answer provided by me on www.blackberryforums.com.au,

This is very simple if you know about the network differences in Australia.

In Australia, Telstra NextG is an exclusive 3G network that runs on a HSDPA 850 band. No other network in Australia roams on this band except Telstra. It is also the fastest, and widest coverage in Australia.

The most common frequency for 3G networks in Australia is HSDPA 2100 band. Optus have also tried to utilise a dual band function, calling it YES-G, which tries to compete against NextG, by using a HSDPA 900 band when in rural areas. Telstra SIMs can ALSO roam on 2100 HSDPA using Three's network (sort of a alliance between the 2 companies). When Telstra is roaming out of NextG network, you won't get NextG speeds, only the normal 3G speeds provided by Three, therefore giving Telstra SIMs the best compatibility with ANY 3G handsets in Australia.
*Note - only Telstra postpaid subscribers are eligible to roam on Three's network. Prepaid Telstra SIMS only roam on HSDPA 850.

HSDPA frequency bands are hardware encoded and cannot be soft modified to whatever frequency you desire.

The most common HSDPA mobiles are 2100/900 configured, which you would call a 3G handset.

In America, AT&T uses the 850 band, in Canada, the ROGERS network is also using the same network. Therefore, these three companies need handsets manufactured for 850 band. Most, if not all, mobiles made for AT&T, ROGERS & Telstra are 2100/850 configured, giving the best compatibility for Telstra and non-Telstra customers.
This also means that AT&T customers can easily purchase a Telstra or ROGERS unlocked mobile and still enjoy the full benefits of AT&T network and vice versa.

In terms of mobile superiority in Australia, I would say Telstra/AT&T/ROGERS devices have the upper hand as you can roam on every network except Yes-G, but Yes-G have yet to gain popularity and Optus 3G works just fine.

I have not found a reason why with todays technology that there is no one single mobile that has a 2100/900/850 band configured. I have yet to read about this limitation or perhaps it is a marketing thing....

*Update 1 - Telus network in Canada operates on HSDPA 850. A fully unlocked Telus 3G handset will work with Telstra NextG.