Kyocera Digno 3 (902kc vs. 903kc) information & compatibility

I live in Canada, so here’s my experience when researching for information and compatibility, might still be useful for USA and beyond. I’m using Rogers, but Fido peeps can still use this info because they share the same towers.

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1. Check FDD-LTE bands for each:

• 903kc is Y!mobile: https://www.ymobile.jp/lineup/band/pdf/903kc_band.pdf and
• 902kc is SoftBank: https://www.softbank.jp/biz/set/data/mobile/lineup/keitai/digno_keitai3_for_biz/specs/pdf/digno_keitai3_for_biz.pdf

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• When reading the table, 2nd most right column is domestic support (Japan), and far-most right column in table is international (roaming) support
• From my understanding, the only difference between 902kc and 903kc is the Japanese provider (Y!mobile vs. Softbank).
• To be on the super-safe side, people buy the 903kc for 100% certainty that it’ll work. However it’s hard to come by as you can only get it from Japanese auctions/Kyoex for expensive prices compared to used. For myself, I’m taking the chance on a used 902kc from eBay.
• Note that if you’re buying a brand new 902kc from Softbank, make sure it’s unlocked, since Softbank doesn’t it like when people unlock without a phone number registered under their network (see: https://www.reddit.com/r/dumbphones/comments/14qky1j/a_consolidatedish_guide_to_owning_a_japanese_flip/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=2) for more details. It’s a pinned post on this reddit, so it’s a good source to look at regardless :).

2. Check for FDD-LTE bands in your area using https://www.cellmapper.net

• 902kc/903kc show that they support FDD-LTE bands 2 & 4 when roaming (right-most column in table), and I have bands 2 and 4 in my area, meaning good (not excellent) coverage. So if roaming is turned on you have access to both bands 2 & 4. Don’t worry about roaming charges though since it’s only applied anywhere outside your plan's coverage area.
• Note that a lot of people are saying that GPS/Location services doesn’t work, so take that into account when purchasing.

3. Check imei # (some listings on eBay show an imei number, paste it into a checker and see if its blacklisted for your provider, I live in Canada so it is not blacklisted, but I know for USA a lot of Keitai are blacklisted on AT&T and only work for T-mobile/mint-mobile)

4. Look for used 902kc/903kc on websites, I purchased from eBay, but Kyoex is also a good option (although more expensive), and Japanese auction sites (idk links check other posts on this subreddit).

I’m still waiting for my order to ship, but I’ll update when it comes in and see if it works in my area.

I’m a beginner still so correct me if I understood anything incorrectly, good luck!