If you are thinking of purchasing the Android 7.1 Nougat-powered Google Pixel or Google Pixel XL smartphones then we caution that you hold off a bit longer.
The new Google smartphones are both said to offer support for LTE band 4, which is an AWS frequency that is used frequently in North America and South America.
However, several users of the Google Pixel XL and Google Pixel smartphones from both continents are now complaining that the devices are encountering issues with the LTE band 4's connectivity.
So What Exactly Is The Issue?
LTE band 4 is basically the only signal that is available to subscribers in certain regions on some network carriers. Now users in North and South America are complaining that they cannot connect their Pixel smartphone to LTE band 4.
Users have taken to the Google product forum and are sharing their frustration.
"I am using my Pixel XL on Claro PR network, and I've never seen LTE connection on the signal notification bar. I've checked device compatibility with the network and everything checks out. I've tried Network Reset, verified APN, verified Preferred Network. I've also tried it with a different SIM and same issue. Please advise," shared a user.
"I'm having the same problem in Argentina. We have 3 main carriers here, and I tried all of them. For some reason there is ONLY ONE where LTE works and thats "PERSONAL." I have CLARO and it does not get LTE, also tried MOVISTAR and no luck," noted a Pixel user in South America.
While some users are reporting band 4 issues with their Pixel XL or Pixel smartphone, some are not, according to a report from Android Headlines. In the United States, LTE band 4 is deployed by a carrier such as T-Mobile.
Android Police asked users of T-Mobile on Twitter but no one reported any issues with band 4 connectivity. This suggests that the issue is isolated to specific band 4 networks.
What Is Causing This Issue?
At this juncture, it is not clear what is causing the connectivity problem with the new Pixel smartphones.
Some users speculate that it could be a software issue whereas others opine that a problem with the SIM's MCC code may exist. This issue may potentially be causing the Pixel XL or Pixel to block the radio frequencies, which are legal in one's country.
Does Google Know?
A user who was encountering the connectivity issue spoke to a Google Support rep who acknowledged that the company was aware of the issue.
What Will Google Do To Counter the Issue?
Per the representative, Google would roll out an update soon to resolve the problem.
Is There Any Temporary Solution?
Some users have suggested a workaround in the support forums. One needs to navigate to Settings > Cellular Networks and then toggle on the Preferred Network Type option from LTE to GSM and then back to LTE.
This workaround may get the Pixel or Pixel XL smartphone to connect to LTE band 4. This method has reportedly worked for Nexus 6P users in Brazil.
