GSM/EDGE vs 3G Band Settings Call Drops Experience - General Topics

I want to know why this happens. I already have a solution but I am more interested in the specifics of what is causing this. Keep in mind that this does not happen everywhere, but only at my home/vicinity (general square area/radius of about 1 mile)
This is the problem:
When my phone is set to AUTO in terms of band settings for data/voice, I experience a massive amount of dropped calls. I can barely hold a conversation because my call will drop every 2-7 minutes and it is very embarrassing when trying to conduct business.
Solution:
The solution I have found is to manually set the phone to force either GSM/EDGE or 3G, but not both. When I do this, my problem is solved 100%
SPECS:
Network: AT&T
Phones Tested: AT&T Tilt and AT&T Treo 750

I have this problem in areas where they haven't completed the upgrade to 3G yet. I suspect it drops because the compatability between 3G and Edge is none, the phone has to switch to different bandwidths that cause a quick but temporary loss of service, effectively dropping your calls.
I have seen an app that forces data connections to stay off, using this app in areas where it swtches between services might improve your issue.

Related

Fed up with 3G/HSPDA Issues!

I have been having some really annoying issues with the 3G capabilities of the Touch Cruise. I actually think it is something AT&T is doing on the network, but can't be sure. Anyone experience anything like this? Here are the symptoms:
1. The TC worked great on the 3G network when I first received it. Averaged around 700k speeds.
2. I flew across the state and the phone was unable to make or receive calls. I noticed the 3G/H symbol just fine, but no voice, no data. On a whim, I turned off the 3G and went back to Edge and everything worked fine, slower - but fine. I noticed this behavior on several subsequent trips. Coverage maps show 3G capability.
3. I've been to numerous other cities and experience varying 3G speeds, but the phone definitely works.
4. Lately I've noticed the phone almost seems to experience 3G "fatigue" by the end of the work day. In my home area where it seems to work fine, I'll look at my phone and it will either have no service, or it will not be working on 3G (no calls or e-mail). By later in the evening, it appears to be back to normal.
5. A reset will normally bring things back at least temporarily.
6. I have been trying out new ROM's and Radios posted here, but don't think they are the source of the issues. I've upgraded and downgraded with the same results.
Is this the AT&T network? Could it be with the proliferation of 3G devices, the network becomes saturated particularly by the end of the day?
More importantly, if 3G is for some reason unavailable the phone should degrade gracefully enough to allow it to continue to operate on the Edge network without any interaction by the end user.
Anybody else experiencing this behavior? Any tips? Any resolutions?
Re:
You could try to fix the GSM and 3g bands in the phone settings from automatic to your specific band. Normally that reduces ur battery usage and provides better network clarity. It might just help.
Secondly you could try the SEA 6.1 official rom as that seems to be one of the best ones so far.
I had plenty of 3G / Edge issues when i first received my TC. I spent many hours with AT&T tech support as well as a few conferrence calls with AT&T and HTC. No one was able to come up with a viable solution. Being a geek at heart I spent many hours testing roms and radios. Only a few combinations work with the AT&T edge network. My ROM is based on 18129.0.4.5 with a murata radio 1.58.21.23(must be certified murata) and has worked for me with no problems.
Hope this helps

Problems with AT&T's 3G Network

I have been having problems recently remaining connected to AT&T's network if I am in an area with marginal 3G coverage. In these areas, one would have expected that data services would suffer or default to GPRS. However, this is not happening. It appears that the network is "losing" the phone and what apparently happens is that the phone is "stuck" in relation to the network and there is not an appropriate hand-off off to 2.5 or 2G as it should be happening. Thus, the phone is losing all service (it cannot make or even receive calls or drops calls erratically) and cannot be "revived" unless the phone is powered down (by removing the battery) for a minute or so. The phone can also "revive" if it gets into an area of strong signal.
Personally, I have an AT&T Tilt (8925) with WinMo 6.1 but I have tracked messages regarding this problem with a variety of 3G smartphones such as the AT&T 8525, the AT&T Fuze, a number of Blackberry models etc, etc.
AT&T's suggestion for correcting this problem is to incapacitate the 3G capability of the phone and to have only the 2G capability ongoing to prevent the network hand-off problems. Or to suggest the user to buy a new device without establishing in any case that the existing device has a problem. At no time, however, is AT&T suggesting a substantial refund for data services for users in a spotty 3G service area.
I think that it is time that there is some action on this issue. It is affecting a number of phones and it remains also an issue with Apple's iPhone 3G. I would be glad to entertain any ideas the members of forum may have.

3G AT&T Calls on Fuze: Not Reliable!

I wanted to start this thread to discuss making and receiving phone calls on AT&T's 3G network. I find that making and receiving phone calls while connected to 3g or HSDPA is very unreliable on my Fuze. The phone seems to always connect to H whenever there is any signal available, even if the signal is very low and unreliable.
I will sometimes recieve a call while connected to H and the person cannot hear me at all. I'll look at the phone to see that the H signal strength is very low. Instead of smoothly switching to Edge, the phone completely loses signal and drops the call. After having no signal for around 10 seconds, it will then reconnect to Edge and have 2 or more bars of service. Why couldn't it just switch to Edge without dropping my call? Any why hang on to an HSDPA connection if signal is unusably low?
I see other AT&T customers with 3G phones (Bold, iPhone) and they don't seem to have this same issue. Their phones can remain in 3g mode and work just fine. My only choice seems to leave 3G turned off, but switch it on when I need a fast data connection (a terrible solution).
I used to have Verizon and they just connect you to both their 3g and 2g networks at the same time, you can even see 2 signal meters on most phones. They use the 3G (EVDO) for data and 2G(1xRTT) for voice or data, when 3G is unavailable. Why can't my Fuze do the same thing on AT&T? Clearly, 3G doesn't penetrate building as well as 2G and the phone needs to use both, seamlessly, to work properly.
Just for background, I am using a Fuze with the latest EnergyROM and Radio 1.14.25.35 and matching Rilphone.dll. I have noticed this behavior with other roms and other radios also. I can't remember how stock worked since I haven't had it in such a long time.
Does anyone else notice the same behavior as me and does anyone have any ideas on how to improve the way the phone manages 3G vs Edge during phone calls?
Thanks in advance for anyone who can help me understand and resolve this problem.
different radio
Drop into the ROM section, hit the radio thread. I found better luck dumping the stock radio on the Fuze, and installed a different one.
Any particular one that you recommend? Ideally, a radio that doesn't use 3g unless signal is reasonably strong would be best. Ive tried all of the official Fuze ones without any change in the behavior I described at all. Based on your signature, it seems you are currently using the same radio as I am...
TheSopranos16 said:
Any particular one that you recommend? Ideally, a radio that doesn't use 3g unless signal is reasonably strong would be best. Ive tried all of the official Fuze ones without any change in the behavior I described at all. Based on your signature, it seems you are currently using the same radio as I am...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found the newest Xperia radio (1.16.25.48) to be very satisfactory as far as signal strength goes - in fact I had more bars of 3G and dropped a lot less calls because of it. However, you need to be Security Unlocked to flash your phone with that radio. The only problem with the Xperia radio I had was the pitiful GPS accuracy.
sopranos16 where are you located? There are a few cities where users have been complaining about the 3G network. NYC/Northern NJ and San Fransisco are two that come to mind. Check on howardforums.
I'm now using a Fuze because AT&T shipped to to me to replace my Bold which will drop 5-15 calls a day in NYC. I don't believe it is a problem with the Bold, I have other lines with 3G that have problems. But this is the solution they offered so I'll try it.
You cal also check the at&t support forums as there are plenty of complaints there too. I just got the fuze and haven't really tried it yet. See what happens on Monday.
I'm located in central New Jersey: Monmouth County. Edge coverage is pretty good but 3G tends to always have a weaker signal strength and occasionally drops out, especially indoors.
Well the first day in lower Manhattan and not one dropped call. I'll let you know what happens later in the week.
bump
soprano, did you try the xperia radio? Let us know, I have had this issue for a while now...and your explanation was on the head.
Think I may just go ahead and security unlock my phone.

[Q] Edge and GPRS data connections abysmally slow on Moto G

I've been testing out the data speed connections with my Moto G on Tesco Mobile. When it is showing a HSDPA connection (H+) or UMTS (H, I think) or 3g (3G) data connection speeds are what I would expect.
But as soon as it drops to Edge (E) or GPRS (G) I get speeds so slow that practically no data is being passed - even with a full 4 bars of signal.
And I am well aware that Edge and GPRS are significantly slower than 3G and its superior data connections, but I'm talking less than 0.03Mbps speeds as measured by the Speedtest app. The speed is so slow that useful "out and about" apps like google maps refuse to recognise that there is an internet connection present.
I've raised this with the network and they say that for all of the cells that I've accessed data speeds shouldn't slow that much, and suggested it might be a faulty SIM (perhaps). But today on a different sim in another Moto G on a different network I experienced the same - Edge connection was connected, but practically non-existent.
Is this anyone else is experiencing, or am I just being really unlucky in the cells I am located in?
Thanks!
Matt
larkim said:
I've been testing out the data speed connections with my Moto G on Tesco Mobile. When it is showing a HSDPA connection (H+) or UMTS (H, I think) or 3g (3G) data connection speeds are what I would expect.
But as soon as it drops to Edge (E) or GPRS (G) I get speeds so slow that practically no data is being passed - even with a full 4 bars of signal.
And I am well aware that Edge and GPRS are significantly slower than 3G and its superior data connections, but I'm talking less than 0.03Mbps speeds as measured by the Speedtest app. The speed is so slow that useful "out and about" apps like google maps refuse to recognise that there is an internet connection present.
I've raised this with the network and they say that for all of the cells that I've accessed data speeds shouldn't slow that much, and suggested it might be a faulty SIM (perhaps). But today on a different sim in another Moto G on a different network I experienced the same - Edge connection was connected, but practically non-existent.
Is this anyone else is experiencing, or am I just being really unlucky in the cells I am located in?
Thanks!
Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, slow edge nd gprs sppeds experienced by you is possibly due to ur location....coz i get a decent edge speed as well as my friends too who r also using moto g.....So nothing is wrong in the phone it just depends uoon location....
Akshay7273 said:
Yes, slow edge nd gprs sppeds experienced by you is possibly due to ur location....coz i get a decent edge speed as well as my friends too who r also using moto g.....So nothing is wrong in the phone it just depends uoon location....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I don't think it is location as the problem seems to be consistent in every cell I am in. I've obtained a fresh sim from the network to see if that was the problem. Will post back with any further info!
larkim said:
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I don't think it is location as the problem seems to be consistent in every cell I am in. I've obtained a fresh sim from the network to see if that was the problem. Will post back with any further info!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well....do u have any friend who is using Moto G and getting same problem at that place??And by the way, Here in india some operators give faster 3g speeds but 2g speed sucks...So just like that it could be the operator's prblm too....First confirm if any of ur friends are getting better edge or gprs speeds.....Thanx
Thread subscribed.
On my old phones I was used to only use 2G (Edge or GPRS) networks in order to get one day of battery life. On my Windows Phone 7 device with an Edge connection it would sync emails, send and receive them and I could even browse (slowly) the internet.
On this one Edge is slow as ****. Furtunately H+ isnt that heavy on its battery as in order devices but when I get to places without a 3G connection the phone gets pretty much unusable, its a shame...
rmrbpt said:
Thread subscribed.
On my old phones I was used to only use 2G (Edge or GPRS) networks in order to get one day of battery life. On my Windows Phone 7 device with an Edge connection it would sync emails, send and receive them and I could even browse (slowly) the internet.
On this one Edge is slow as ****. Furtunately H+ isnt that heavy on its battery as in order devices but when I get to places without a 3G connection the phone gets pretty much unusable, its a shame...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting. For the full story:-
I have a Moto G with Virgin (MVNO in the UK using the EE network), and have had for about 5 months. Love it. Never had an issue with data speed on any of the "flavours" (obviously GPRS and Edge are slower, but useable as you say). I've just persuaded my wife to take a Moto G too, but she is on the TescoMobile network (MVNO in the UK using the O2 network). I obviously don't expect our experience with data speed to be identical, but she has only had the phone for a week or so and she reported to me last week that it seemed that data was turned off so she couldn't use maps when she was driving to get some travel time updates. When I looked at the phone at home, it was all fine - and at home both of us get H+ signals throughout most of the house (when wifi turned off). On playing a little more, I noticed that in one room of the house the signal dropped consistently to Edge, and when testing data speed there I noticed the slow (unusable) speed. I swapped the sim into my phone (which was a sim free purchase, so unlocked) and got the same issue. I've then subsequently tested data speeds when we've been out and about in different cell locations, and consistently when she is on Edge or GPRS the data drops off a cliff. HSDPA is always fine.
Then yesterday I was out and about just with my own phone in an Edge area, and I also got the same experience - unusable Edge data speeds (bear in mind this is now on my network, Virgin). Now, I've only had this once, but I am wondering if the 4.4.4 update has slowed Edge / GPRS performance, as the common factor across both my phone and my wife's is that they have only just been updated to 4.4.4
If no-one else here is experiencing the same, then clearly it is just local signal issues, but it does seem peculiar that both phones, on different networks and in different physical locations (up to 30 miles away) appear to be experiencing something similar.
Both phones are on 210.12.40.falcon_umts / 4.4.4
I've just found something to try. Won't be for everyone, but using the "hidden" phone menu via *#*#4636#*#* > phone information and setting preferred network type to "WCDMA only" I can at least force the phone to ONLY use a 3G connection. Whether that will leave me with no signal in areas where I'd like to have a signal I'll wait and see, but I could at least switch manually back to 2G if I found myself down a dark country lane with no 3G signal. Perhaps an option only for the tech-enthusiast, wouldn't want my wife to be relying on this if her car broke down in the wrong end of town!!
It may be a work around, but I can't possibly rely on that since being unreachable isn't acceptable for me.
Let me add that I experience these "issue" since I can remember, so definitely 4.4.4 wasn't the culprit...
rmrbpt said:
It may be a work around, but I can't possibly rely on that since being unreachable isn't acceptable for me.
Let me add that I experience these "issue" since I can remember, so definitely 4.4.4 wasn't the culprit...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an option "WCDMA preferred" which may (I know nothing about this!) set a preference for a stronger reliance on 3G services rather than 2G. It's very easy to set up and switch, worth a little experiment if you get into an area where you are suffering with a slow 2G service.
Changed it right now.
If I feel any difference I will leave the proper feedback.
Thanks

S6 has a few odd issues with calling & mobile data.

Hello. I've used this forum (from a lurking perspective) for any and all issues I've encountered with my phones over the years, but I've come across an issue on my grandfather's phone that's got me completely stumped. I've searched the internet high and low for similar issues and can't find anything useful. The only time someone had a similar problem, the problem by and large went unsolved.
Here's essentially whats going on. First issue, the phone does not want to make a phone call. It will go to "dialing..." for somewhere between 3 and 6 seconds before going straight to the "call ended" screen. Every once in awhile it will connect after sitting on "dialing..." for a moment. The phone will receive calls and you are able to hear the other person and they're able to hear you. It sends and receives texts (though he says occasionally it won't, but I have yet to experience this issue). Second issue, for whatever reason the phone doesn't want to transfer mobile data, despite the notification bar saying "4G LTE" with 3/5 bars. Sometimes when 4G LTE isn't connecting and it goes to 3G (despite my identical phone next to it being functionally connected to 4G) the data will work, albeit slowly.
I've cleared the cache, I've done a factory reset, I've re-flashed the firmware through odin. Nothing seems to make it better. I'm starting to think it's SIM or antenna related, but I'll admit I'm not a tech professional. Anyone have any ideas? Here's the SIM's read out compared to my working phone's readout.
Not working S6
Network: US Cellular
Signal Strength: -81 dBm 8 asu
Mobile network type: CDMA - EvDo rev. A
Service state: In service
Roaming: Not roaming
Mobile network state: connected
Working S6
Network: US Cellular
Signal Strength: -99 dBm 41 asu
Mobile network type: LTE
Service state: In service
Roaming: Not roaming
Mobile network state: connected
Both phones are set to preferred network mode LTE/CDMA, but the one that doesn't want to make calls struggles to utilize LTE, and when it seemingly does, data doesn't transfer. If you need any other supplemental information, I'll be happy to provide it. Thanks for any input!
Sounds like it could be a hardware related issue, you've done a clean flash of the firmware which will include modem and bootloader so if there was a software related problem that should have resolved it. Most likely some sort of antenna issue of anything, is it still under warranty?
sofir786 said:
Sounds like it could be a hardware related issue, you've done a clean flash of the firmware which will include modem and bootloader so if there was a software related problem that should have resolved it. Most likely some sort of antenna issue of anything, is it still under warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I was afraid of. Not anymore, he just doesn't want to spend the cash to buy a new one. Thanks for the insight!

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