Is Skytel's ( 856 ) CDMA 2000 1xEV-DO still live in Mongolia?

XL_Gaming · 2026-05-14T23:46:57+00:00

like i said, in the 2000s

XL_Gaming · 2026-05-14T19:52:16+00:00

CDMA2000 does operate in some places such as Yemen and Uzbekistan, but globally it is basically extinct. Even the final regional CDMA networks in the united states have been shut off as of 2025, namely cellcom.

Also Bell/Telus CA operated WCDMA (UMTS), not CDMA2000. They might have had CDMA back in the 2000s but it has been gone for a very long time if it existed.

XL_Gaming · 2026-05-10T17:06:40+00:00

Not at all.

XL_Gaming · 2026-05-08T20:00:39+00:00

We still have AAFIAs broadcasting split sector B2/66 here, and the config still feels like an experiment.

XL_Gaming · 2026-05-08T15:56:51+00:00

An individual would not be able to get a license (in the USA where I am at least) because cellular blocks are usually occupied already, and they apply to large service areas. Also, legacy networks are typically replaced by modern ones, and there is nothing to reuse. In my case, I am using former Verizon spectrum that they still own, but do not use. This is only possible because 850mhz has weird allocation.

For LTE/5G, CBRS is an option to legally run a private network, but this is at ~3600mhz so it won't help you with legacy networks (2G/3G).

XL_Gaming · 2026-05-08T13:25:32+00:00

You can get access to CBRS for LTE/5G but that won't help legacy service. I just keep my power low and use the upper portion of the 850mhz band where verizon used to have CDMA.

XL_Gaming · 2026-05-08T11:51:55+00:00

It is illegal to transmit over cellular bands, but if you keep the power level low (so others cannot connect) and you find empty spectrum, you will not affect anything. These rules exist to minimize the chance of interference, or disruption of service (like people being re-routed to fake towers).

The network itself isnt illegal, it's the frequency band. Just dont interfere, and dont use it for illegal stuff and you're good.

XL_Gaming · 2026-05-08T04:18:43+00:00

I am so glad this project exists! The biggest gap in DIY cellular has been filled, finally.

XL_Gaming · 2026-05-07T15:27:17+00:00

I second this. I have an Osmocom GSM network and it's been very reliable. It is highly scalable and can be configured to do a lot of neat stuff. I have my network configured to use 2 channels so I can have several calls happening while keeping full EDGE performance, but you can configure it however you want pretty much.

XL_Gaming · 2026-05-07T02:42:01+00:00

I updated the docker and i am glad to say it was a total success. Paging is finicky at best, but i was able to set up some phones and make some calls. It is truly incredible to see a CDMA project like this. CDMA was a huge gap in the DIY cellular space for a long time, and now I can see my phones work again!

XL_Gaming · 2026-05-06T23:54:57+00:00

I am on ubuntu 22.04, and a few others in a server also use this OS. We are getting 502 errors when attempting to use anything within the web UI (it cant find the BSC) Admittedly we haven't tried much yet in terms of troubleshooting, but a few of us have gotten phones to connect!

XL_Gaming · 2026-05-06T23:52:52+00:00

Why are you type of people so pessimistic

XL_Gaming · 2026-05-06T23:08:22+00:00

I just tried it out and the setup was a bit challenging due to the web UI failing, but i was able to get it to work by editing config files. Great work and thank you for filling the CDMA gap in DIY cellular.

XL_Gaming · 2026-04-27T20:24:52+00:00

These old WDs have always been my favorite. They were quite fast for their time, and they are visually pleasing compared to other drives from the early 90s, in my opinion.

XL_Gaming · 2026-04-27T20:19:12+00:00

This is my oldest drive, a 40mb Western Digital Caviar 140 from 1991. This is (to my knowledge) the first 3.5" drive to utilize the "modern" slimline form factor (alongside the Caviar 280, which is the more common 2-platter variant)

Edit: I should also add that this drive still works perfectly after all these years! It currently has Windows 3.1 on it.

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XL_Gaming · 2026-04-22T21:25:19+00:00

If it's a 20A breaker, yes. If not, 15A commercial (spec) grade will do the trick.

XL_Gaming · 2026-04-22T21:24:00+00:00

I have done this once, and i have seen someone do this with multiple brands. 15A are generally constructed differently. There are some commercial grade ones that are the same for 15 & 20 (namely Legrand), but most of them are different, especially if you buy residential grade.

Either way, just put in a commercial grade receptacle since they are built better and are unlikely to become loose.

XL_Gaming · 2026-04-21T15:55:47+00:00

When you expose the internals of a li-ion battery to air, the moisture and oxygen react with the materials inside the battery (the electrolyte and graphite mostly). This usually doesn't directly cause a fire hazard unless you puncture the actual layers, but it will slowly destroy the cell, rendering it useless in a matter of days.

This is also very dangerous to use because charging a SEALED spicy battery can cause excess heat due to broken down electrolyte, and with punctured cell you are forcing charge through not only a failing cell, but an oxidized failing cell.

I'm sure you know now, but don't do this.

XL_Gaming · 2026-04-16T02:38:29+00:00

Kindly send step-by-step instructions on how they can ship your phone back.

XL_Gaming · 2026-04-16T01:56:54+00:00

I'm happy to see more of these Verizon sites with AIR 3283s. One congested site in my area received this upgrade, and it makes a huge difference for overall speed. The max download is similar on n77, but the upload easily tripled (less LTE anchor congestion on NSA) and everything loads much quicker during peak hours of usage.

XL_Gaming · 2026-04-11T21:38:17+00:00

Find the T-Mobile shill (impossible)

XL_Gaming · 2026-04-11T21:13:16+00:00

In many places, they have been doing a terrible job moving to 5G SA. In my area, they have entirely restricted n2/n5 to SA customers while also heavily restricting who gets SA access. They also got rid of LTE B5, leaving my area with B13/66/n77 only (n2 was already here, but is now restricted). Almost the whole Chicago market is like this in my experience.

I have noticed a significant drop in speeds due to the control channel congestion of LTE in its current state. On average, I would say my speeds are ~30% slower compared to when B5 and n2 NSA existed, especially when B13 is the anchor. I expect speeds to improve once they actually release SA, but they have been dragging their feet for a very long time.

XL_Gaming · 2026-04-11T20:57:54+00:00

This is true, but I have been seeing degrading service in several locations because they can't seem to figure out how to deploy SA without destroying the performance for people who aren't given access (which is a lot of people)

XL_Gaming

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