Simple tweak enables LTE on Google Nexus 4

The Google Nexus 4 [product information] has been well received but one frequent criticism against it is the lack of LTE connectivity. Given that it uses the same 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro as the LG Optimus G [product information] which supports LTE, it was no surprise when it was confirmed last week that the Nexus 4 does come with an LTE modem. At the time, it was assumed that it was disabled but a video posted on YouTube has shown that LTE can in fact be turned on with a simple tweak.

To enable LTE, users simply have to open up their dialer and type in *#*#4636#*#*. When the phone settings come up, the network type can be changed to LTE/GSM/CDMA auto (PRL). An LTE connection should be established shortly afterwards.

There is one big catch: LTE is only supported on the LTE band 4 (1700MHz and 2100MHz). In Canada, that means that it should work with Bell, Rogers, and TELUS (as well as their flanker brands) but other parts of the world may not be so lucky. For example, in the U.S., AT&T uses Band 17 and Verizon uses Band 13. Neither is compatible with this tweak.

This is a very exciting development for us Canadians! One major reason to not get a Nexus 4 appears to have been eliminated.

Read more: xda-developers