Which Network Am I On?

Knowing which network you’re on is very important when it comes to travelling with your wireless phone – even within Manitoba. MTS currently operates two cellular networks across the province: CDMA and the MTS 4G wireless network.

When it comes to smartphones and connectivity devices (e.g. Internet Express Stick), there are a few different things you can do to understand which network you are on.

  1. Look at your device’s network status indicator:

    • HSPA Status Indicator - Front
    • CDMA Status Indicator - Front

    Your wireless phone’s network status indicator is commonly located in the top right corner of your phone’s screen.

    HSPA handsets will display 3G

    CDMA handsets will display 1XEV or 1X depending on the coverage in the area

    If you are running a connectivity device on your computer (e.g.: Internet Express Stick) you will see either the 1XEV or 3G icon depending on your network.

  2. Look at your device’s SIM card:

    It is important to note that not all devices have SIM cards; most CDMA devices do not have SIM cards with the exception of CDMA World Devices. CDMA World Devices offer enhanced world-wide coverage which is enabled by the SIM card.

    • Front

      SIM Card Front

    • Back

      SIM Card Back

    HSPA

    HSPA SIM cards are small and white, and are located within the device’s casing. These cards are about 2.5cm x 1.5cm; however, depending on the device, may be even smaller.

    CDMA

    Most CDMA devices will not have a SIM card. While you might find an expandable memory card, please be careful not to confuse the two. Expandable memory cards are also found within the device’s casing and may have similar dimensions.

    The easiest way to tell a SIM card from an expandable memory card is by the colour of the card.

    HSPA SIM cards are always white; CDMA World Device SIM cards are red. Expandable memory cards are usually black.

    CDMA World Device SIM Cards

    • Front

      World Phone SIM Card Front

    • Back

      World Phone SIM Card Back

    CDMA World Devices will have a small red SIM card within the phone’s casing. These cards are about 2.5cm x 1.5cm.

    The following MTS devices are considered CDMA World Devices:

    • BlackBerry® 8830 World Edition smartphone
    • BlackBerry® Bold™ 9650 smartphone
    • BlackBerry® Storm™ 9530 smartphone
    • BlackBerry® Storm2™ 9550 smartphone
    • BlackBerry® Tour™ 9630 smartphone
    • Motorola A840 smartphone
    • Samsung ACE™ smartphone

  3. Look for IMEI or MEID:

    Check if your device has an IMEI, an ESN, or an MEID; these codes are what the network uses to identify the device. You can find the code within the casing of your device. In smartphones, you will find it underneath the battery.

    • IMEI = International Mobile Equipment Identifier (HSPA Device)
    • ESN = Electronic Serial Number (CDMA/CDMA World Phone Device)
    • MEID = Mobile Equipment Identifier (CDMA/CDMA World Phone Device)

  4. Look at network information captured within your wireless device’s settings:

    While no two devices are the same, all devices will have an icon dedicated to its wireless settings. Unfortunately, you cannot do this with your connectivity device (e.g. Internet Express Stick). If you are still experiencing difficulties in locating your network, please visit your nearest MTS Dealer for assistance.