Hey, I’m planning to buy a Fairphone and I will live the next months in Africa, in Togo. Can I use the Fairphone there ? At least to call someone ?
I’m asking that because I read on this page (http://shop.fairphone.com/fairphone2.html) :
“Designed for use and service in Europe only”
I don’t really understand, because I read some postings about a man using his Fairphone in South Affrica.
Thank you a lot,
Nathanaël
Hi @nathousch,
the Fairphone is designed to work with the following networks:
Network Technology
2G / 3G / 4G LTE-Advanced
GSM/GPRS/EDGE
Quad-band: 850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz
WCDMA
Bands 1 (2100 MHz), 2 (1900 MHz), 8 (900 MHz)
Source: http://shop.fairphone.com/fairphone2.html#technical-specifications
This is typically called “Quad-Band” and should work in Africa.
See: GSM frequency bands - Wikipedia
But in the end it depends on the provider. Designed for use and service in Europe only means that currently, the Fairphone is only sold in Europe and stuff like warranty fullfillment (e.g. when something breaks), shipping of the Fairphone and spare parts (like a battery or again in case you break your screen or similar) will only be possible to a european adress. Also note that it is not always possible or allowed to ship a battery for example, to a country outside of the EU due to legislatation.
Furthermore, each smartphone has to go trough a certification process before it is sold. I assume the Fairphone will only go through european certification.
I short, you Fairphone 2 would probably work in Africa, for phone calls, sms and data. But when something breaks, your are pretty much on your own. Also remember: The FP2 will not be shipped before november and even then, only to european addresses and you will be on your own if you need parts in africa.
Also see this thread:
Thank you very much, with the 3 answers, now I know exactlly what I wanted ! Greetings !
!