Galaxy Note 3 owners are going to have limited options when it comes to using their smartphone on another continent. According to Android Authority, Samsung has region locked both the American and European models of the Note 3, allowing them to only work within limited areas by default. For the European version, that's largely all of Europe, while the American version includes North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean. Samsung has confirmed details of the European lock to GigaOm, but we haven't heard back on confirmation about the American model.
Though the Note 3 will be able to connect to foreign networks, it won't be able to do so simply through using a foreign network's SIM card like usual — instead, Note 3 owners will have to pay their local carrier's international roaming fees in order to tap into wireless networks on another continent. Android Authority reports that both Note 3 models explain this through stickers on their packaging, which say that the device is "only compatible with a SIM card issued from a mobile operator" within either Europe or the Americas, depending on the model. According to Ausdroid, Note 3 units bound for the Asia Pacific region do not include such a sticker, however, though the presence or absence of a region lock has not been confirmed.
It's an odd choice for Samsung to make, particularly given that the company touted the Note 3's wide support of LTE bands. "Works with all types of LTE networks, no matter where you are," JK Shin, head of Samsung Mobile Communications, said while introducing the device. The statement remains as true as ever, but Samsung is certainly making it a bit harder for most customers to take advantage of it.(TheVerge)
Though the Note 3 will be able to connect to foreign networks, it won't be able to do so simply through using a foreign network's SIM card like usual — instead, Note 3 owners will have to pay their local carrier's international roaming fees in order to tap into wireless networks on another continent. Android Authority reports that both Note 3 models explain this through stickers on their packaging, which say that the device is "only compatible with a SIM card issued from a mobile operator" within either Europe or the Americas, depending on the model. According to Ausdroid, Note 3 units bound for the Asia Pacific region do not include such a sticker, however, though the presence or absence of a region lock has not been confirmed.
It's an odd choice for Samsung to make, particularly given that the company touted the Note 3's wide support of LTE bands. "Works with all types of LTE networks, no matter where you are," JK Shin, head of Samsung Mobile Communications, said while introducing the device. The statement remains as true as ever, but Samsung is certainly making it a bit harder for most customers to take advantage of it.(TheVerge)
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