Google Nexus 4 LTE Does Work, Good News For T-Mobile Customers

It wasn't too long ago that the folks over at iFixit revealed that the latest Google smartphone, the LG Nexus 4, does indeed have an LTE chip onboard. Only problem is that it seemed like you couldn't use it due to no network support. Well now, the Nexus 4 LTE story has another twist to it - it seems that LTE can be activated on the phone, except it will only run successfully on one band. 

This time, the report comes to us via XDADevelopers and AnandTech. It seems that a simple software update can allow the Nexus 4 smartphone to run on LTE Band 4. All users have to do is dial *#*#4636#*#* (INFO) or launch the Phone Info app. After that, choosing to connect to AWS networks should allow the Nexus 4 to run on LTE networks on Band 4. 

The AnandTech report states explicitly that the LG Nexus 4 only works on LTE Band 4, on 1700/2100MHz frequencies, and supports bandwidths of 5,10, and 20MHz.

This is good news for T-Mobile customers. While the carrier won't be rolling out LTE coverage until next year, T-Mobile's LTE is reported to be on Band 4, meaning that Nexus 4 owners could be able to take advantage of it. AT&T has stated it will use Band 4 for LTE, but there is no indication when or where, and the carrier mostly operates on Band 17. Verizon's LTE operates on Band 13. 

Canadian Nexus 4 owners are in luck as well since the XDA reports seemed to trickle out mostly from Canadian users and AWS enjoys heavy support from Canadian networks.