Database Info

[REQ] Can I stop data when roaming?

Hi all,
I know this is probably a strange request and so I'll have to give a bit of background. Recently I changed my mobile provider to 3. 3 have their own telephone coverage in certain areas and if you are outside those areas you go on roaming with Telstra. The issue is 3 charges huge $$ when roaming on Telstras network for data (voice and SMS is fine).
My question is that my TP obviously knows when I'm roaming as it displays the service provider as 'Roaming'. Is there a program that will stop my data (and only data) use when I change over to the 'Roaming' service and activate again when I am in the 3 network?
Thanks for you help!
Trent

Hi, another aussie 3 user here...
I agree with the TS as this is one of the major problem we as 3mobile user face, is there any kind soul out there that could help us with this as my knowledge on PDA is limited.. Thanks for any1 who is willing to help in advance.

With the Sprint TP, I can go to
Settings>Phone>Services>Roaming
and set an option called "Data roam guard" that allows me to choose whether or not data connections will be allowed while roaming. I'm not sure if this option is available for you, but give it a try.

I myself would like to have an automated function for this. Until then I will have to manually switch to my dummy data connection.

Normally it doesn't connect on roaming.
and if it will, it asks first.
isn't this the case with you?

I have an app called NoData
Works really well and lets you enable/disable any data connections

raveenash said:
I have an app called NoData
Works really well and lets you enable/disable any data connections
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know about the NoData. However, you still have to enable/disable data connection manually. I'd like to have it automatically disabled when I am roaming.
For example my IM client (QIP) does not ask me whether it should connect or not. So it is very easy to have an "accident" with data connection :-(

I'm another Three user in Australia, looking for something like this as well. I often use my phone while on a tram and it might switch from 3G to Roaming while I'm browsing the web. I'd like for it to warn me so I don't download heaps while roaming (I think it's $1.65 per MB or something crazy like that).

Hi, another 3 Australia user here...and yes, I've been waiting on this sort of function for years now.
Part of the problem here is that 3's "roaming" is not actual roaming in the traditional sense. Normally, the phone detects a roaming signal when on a foreign network and displays a roaming indicator (looks like a little triangle) at the top of the screen. You'll find this is the case if you ever take your phone overseas and use International Roaming. Telstra's network does not give you this signal, and hence even the few roaming aware apps we have (e.g. pocket outlook) don't detect when you're on Telstra's network and turn off their automatic schedules.
The best way I could think of to do this automatically is with an app that detects either Telstra's network ID values (the phone detects these and translates them to the text "Roaming" at the top right of today, much as it translates the real value "3Telstra" to plain old "3" - 3 and Telstra share the 2100MHz network in a joint venture, much as Vodafone and Optus share theirs...you will see the real value if ever you use a non-3 rom) or the network connection type and then runs that NoData app (I haven't seen that before...credit to the guy who posted it).
I've often though some sort of even responder app would be useful. Something like Gyrator, except that read network status instead of physical hardware status. Anyone know of anything like this?
Then you could set up something like:
* On detect EDGE/GSM switch off data connections
* On detect HSDPA/3G switch on data connections
OR
* On detect network ID of Telstra's GSM network switch off data
* On detect network ID of 3's/Telstra's 2100MHz 3G network switch on data

Look at phoneAlarm.

caeci11ius said:
Part of the problem here is that 3's "roaming" is not actual roaming in the traditional sense. Normally, the phone detects a roaming signal when on a foreign network and displays a roaming indicator (looks like a little triangle) at the top of the screen.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My HTC TP says 'H' up the top when I'm in 3 coverage and 'E' when I'm roaming. Just near the top it says '3' when I'm in a Three area or 'Roaming' when I'm not...
Don't you have the same phone? What does yours say?

Vanstra said:
Look at phoneAlarm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that perhaps paying 15+ pounds (around AU$40) just to switch off a data connection is a bit steep...any other suggestions around?

grandinferno said:
My HTC TP says 'H' up the top when I'm in 3 coverage and 'E' when I'm roaming. Just near the top it says '3' when I'm in a Three area or 'Roaming' when I'm not...
Don't you have the same phone? What does yours say?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My point exactly. You will not see the real roaming indicator in Australia as you never actually roam here. While three call it "roaming" when your phone is on Telstra, the way they have set it up prevents the phone from knowing this is the case so the few roaming aware programs will not be able to adjust for it.
The phone shows G/E when on Telstra as Telstra provide a GSM/EDGE network. It shows 3G/H when on Three's network as Three are providing a 3G/HSDPA network. Hence, you can work out if you're roaming by looking at this even though it's not actually a roaming indicator.
If you look at your home screen though you will see either a "3" in the top right corner of the clock or "Roaming". That's what I was talking about before. It's not a roaming indicator either; it simply shows the network name (with a translation applied from the actual network ID in this case).

thanks caeci11ius, I'm glad you could explain this is better detail then my original statement. I am presuming that this form of roaming and charge to customers is quite rare.

caeci11ius said:
I think that perhaps paying 15+ pounds (around AU$40) just to switch off a data connection is a bit steep...any other suggestions around?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You wanted a program which can automatically switch band when roaming.
This is the only program I know which can do that.

Program to disable Data when E or G is shown on taskbar
caeci11ius said:
My point exactly. You will not see the real roaming indicator in Australia as you never actually roam here. While three call it "roaming" when your phone is on Telstra, the way they have set it up prevents the phone from knowing this is the case so the few roaming aware programs will not be able to adjust for it.
The phone shows G/E when on Telstra as Telstra provide a GSM/EDGE network. It shows 3G/H when on Three's network as Three are providing a 3G/HSDPA network. Hence, you can work out if you're roaming by looking at this even though it's not actually a roaming indicator.
If you look at your home screen though you will see either a "3" in the top right corner of the clock or "Roaming". That's what I was talking about before. It's not a roaming indicator either; it simply shows the network name (with a translation applied from the actual network ID in this case).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is Exactly What I need Also. I have looked everywhere? I Dont believe anyone else has come across this issue before and has written something to fix it.
Need a program to detect when the Phone is in 3 or H area (displayed at top) and disable DATA ONLY when G or E is displayed. My work around at the moment is to select HSDPA only connection but this makes the Voice Calls dropout whenever I cannot recieve Three's Network. Can anyone help. There is many people who would be in this same boat.
Wombat

Introducing WombatPhoneRoam
I just wrote a script to keep you connected to 3G or HSDPA networks only. Tryout
WombatPhoneRoam
I hope it is what your looking for
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=3076932&postcount=1
Wombat

'Bands' tab and Advanced config questions

I've searched the forums for an answer to this and I've found partial answers. I'm hoping I can get a response that will work for me.
Firstly, in the 'Bands' tab, I'm looking for some clarification on the options available. Under 'network type' there is 'Auto', 'GSM', and 'WCDMA'. Auto, I understand. GSM I'm assuming means GSM network (T-Mo, AT&T and not CDMA). WCDMA, according to Wikipedia, is basically the network that allows 3G speeds over GSM networks.
Now, when I set the network to GSM, I get an EDGE icon in place of the 3G. When I set it to WCDMA, I get 3G, as well I should.
First question: If I set the network to WCDMA, will it force my Fuze to ONLY connect to 3G? Where I live, I'm finding it hard to find a 3G dead zone to test without traveling 30 miles...
Second question: Does forcing 3G only improve battery life? I read in one post there are separate radios for 3G and EDGE/GPRS (which makes sense as to how you're able to talk and use the data connection simultaneously) and by forcing one, the phone doesn't constantly scan for the other.
My third question has to deal with having my device automatically disconnect the data connection after it finishes its business. I read in several posts that 'Advanced Config' has an option to set the data timeout, but I've read through the menus several times and have seen no such option. Are there multiple versions of advanced config floating around? Barring that, could someone just tell me what registry entry to add/edit to set the timeout? I read in yet another post that the phone automatically disconnects after 30 minutes, but that doesn't seem to be the case, as I tested mine and we're going on over an hour with no connection drop. (No email is being checked and weather is disabled. Prior to me starting this particular data connection, the phone had been connectionless for almost 16 hours.)

AdvancedConfig/Menu/More settings/Connections.
There is also that option in DiamondTweak.
WCDMA means 3G only, which means that your phone isn't searching for GSM signal. I haven't noticed battery improvement when forcing 3G, although that would be logical.

Weird APN / 3G issue

hi,
I'm on day 2 of trying to sort out my wife's new Captivate, so would appreciate any help at all. Phone is rooted, unlocked and has decent signal, but I cannot connect to 3g.
I'm on Optus network via TPG (Aussie network). I've tried many APN settings, and I'm at the point where I don't think this is the issue (yes, I know this is normally the issue).
I tried going into *#*#4696#*#* and doing WCDMA preferred, and WCDMA only, made sure AUS radio band was selected and did 'Enable data'.... also no help
I've also made sure data is enabled on the sim/account. If I insert the sim into another phone, it works with 3G. So it's something to do with the phone for sure.
Optus' 3g info says "2100MHz frequency band. Enabled with High Speed Packet Access technology (HSPA)". So WCDMA is the correct setting I think.
To be clear, I've never gotted the little 3G symbol at all (or an 'H' symbol that I've seen someone mention). I first tried emulating my own Vibrant's settings exactly, which didn't help.
Any ideas would be great.
thanks.

I'm completely out of options ... is there a chance this is an issue with bad contacts? I fixed my Vibrant's GPS by prying up one of the contacts...

All fixed. If anyone else has this trouble - flash back to stock, following this guide http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=884364
Note - I already had stock, so no idea what the hell was going on, but whatever.

[Q] How to maintain connection

So I work in midtown Manhattan, and in my particular building, ATT's service is very spotty, specifically where I sit. You'd think the 28th floor near Times Square would get great reception, but I don't. Oftentimes my network connectivity will go completely blank w/ absolutely no service, then turn back on. I've called ATT, switched to a 4G sim card, they pushed updates, rebooted my phone, etc. all to no avail. I still get very spotty service.
EXCEPT I just figured out if I have an app w/ streaming data running (run once there is an initial connection of course), it actually maintains the connection (currently using the streaming music app "di.fm" and "sky.fm", Pandora would prob work as well). I'm assuming this is because the phone locks onto a specific tower and doesn't let go as long as the app is accessing the data continuously.
Is there a way for my phone to stay connected to a specific tower and not jump around without running a streaming app? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks!

I hate to say this but it's your area during peak times. I work downtown near the Brooklyn Bridge and experience the same thing. Until AT&T finishes the backhaul this is what we're stuck with. Build props and other mods are shots in the dark but won't help much.
Sent from Desire HD or Inspire 4G or whatever this thing is called via premium XDA app.

Unless they give him a microcell.
Since they know you've been having issues, they might give you one for free.
Sent from my calculator

But why am I able to maintain connection when running a streaming app? If traffic was the reason why my connection was dropping, wouldn't it still do so?
I think the tech guy said something about how my phone would try to connect to a tower 20 miles away when there are half a dozen right around me. When my phone does have reception, it's probably because it's hooked up to one of the close local towers, and running a streaming app forces it to stay locked onto that one...

kpfury said:
But why am I able to maintain connection when running a streaming app? If traffic was the reason why my connection was dropping, wouldn't it still do so?
I think the tech guy said something about how my phone would try to connect to a tower 20 miles away when there are half a dozen right around me. When my phone does have reception, it's probably because it's hooked up to one of the close local towers, and running a streaming app forces it to stay locked onto that one...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When idle it's easier to drop connections as the phone switches frequencies. Here's a couple of things to do if you haven't done so already.
Make sure you're running the stock radio, if you haven't flashed another radio you're running the stock one.
Change to usa bands only. Open the dialer, press: *#*#4636#*#* Go to phone information. Press menu then press select radio band. Then select USA only. Give it a few seconds while it reconnects.

OK I'll let you know if it maintains network connection any better.
Also, what about the preferred network type? The options I have are:
- WCDMA preferred
- GSM only
- WCDMA only
- GSM auto (PRL)
- CDMA auto (PRL)
- CDMA only
- GSM/CDMA auto (PRL)
- Unknown
It was previously on WCDMA preferred, but should it be GSM/CDMA auto (PRL)?

Any way to force LTE only mode?

The thunderbolt had this and it was nice.
Basically when I'm at work I'm in a fringe 4g area. If I leave the phone in 3g/4g auto mode then it constantly switches between the two and it destroys my battery. Not only that but it makes 4g basically unusable for me as it never stays on long enough to do anything with it.
On the thunderbolt by going into the phone info settings you could select LTE only mode.
On the Charge you only have the options of going CDMA only or CDMA/LTE auto. There is no LTE only option.
Is this something that can be corrected by an app or rom or kernel or is it built into the radio software?
I used the phone info app that worked great on the thunderbolt and on the charge it just comes up with a bunch of options like WCDMA only, GSM only and such and as far as I can tell none of them actually do anything.
Hopefully someone knows the answer to this because I like tethering to my tablets at work but if I can't have consistent 4g then I'm gonna be forced to return to my tbolt which is a shame because I like this charge alot better.

I haven't pucked up a Charge yet, but most Sammy phones let you for some fine grain tuning if the radio and other system settings via a menu accessed by a dialer code.
You could try *#*#197328640#*#* (is debug mode) and dig in from there.
Sent from Thunderbolt

distortedloop said:
I haven't pucked up a Charge yet, but most Sammy phones let you for some fine grain tuning if the radio and other system settings via a menu accessed by a dialer code.
You could try *#*#197328640#*#* (is debug mode) and dig in from there.
Sent from Thunderbolt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Already tried that, it doesn't work on the charge. It just dials and you get the "Welcome to Verizon wireless, your call cannot be completed as dialed" message.

I believe if you go settings ->wireless and network->mobile networks->system selection change it to CDMA mode will disable LTE.

you can try dialing "*#*#4636#*#*" that takes me to a hidden menu on the thunderbolt. If it works, from that menu select "phone Information" then select LTE only. or if you want to disable 4g (Helps battery in non 4g areas) you can select "CDMA auto(prl)"

thetwiztidfreak said:
you can try dialing "*#*#4636#*#*" that takes me to a hidden menu on the thunderbolt. If it works, from that menu select "phone Information" then select LTE only. or if you want to disable 4g (Helps battery in non 4g areas) you can select "CDMA auto(prl)"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Beat me to it
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA Premium App

Thanks but did you guys even read my original post?
For starters, I'm not trying to disable LTE... I'm trying to force LTE only.
Secondly, as I previously said, This phone does not have the same radio options that the thunderbolt does. There is no option for LTE only. I understand the difference between CDMA auto PRL, CDMA/LTE auto and LTE only. THE PROBLEM IS THIS PHONE DOES NOT HAVE AN LTE ONLY OPTION!
I tried the phone info app that works on the thunderbolt, the only options are all for WCDMA only, GSM only and CDMA only and various combinations of them. There is no LTE only. Besides, none of the options present in that menu actually change anything, only the 2 that are built into the wireless network settings do (CDMA only and CDMA/LTE Auto).
Not trying to be a **** but if you're gonna post something to try and answer a question or help someone at least make sure you read the question.

In the same boat as you. I actually get decent service on LTE at home, and virtually nothing on 3G... go figure, but it keeps trying.

navycow said:
In the same boat as you. I actually get decent service on LTE at home, and virtually nothing on 3G... go figure, but it keeps trying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have the same problem as both you guys and this is so frustrating. when its connected to 4g i get between 8-10mb down. i also have a samsung mifi hotspot for verizon and it shows a strong 4g signal and gets over 10mb down consistently in the very same location.
i have no idea why my droid charge keeps switching between 4g and 3g. the funny thing is the only reason i really mind is because the 3g signal is horrible. if i was getting 2mb down on the 3g like i have seen at other locations i wouldnt mind at all.

yeah i have the same issue as well, i'm really not even sure what it's testing to decide to switch from 4g to 3g, i live about 100 yards from the verizon tower i'm connecting to and have full reception on both 4g and 3g but yet it still switches randomly between the 2, we really need a way to disable 3g
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App

Still nothing on this front? I'm afraid I'm gonna have to return my charge tomorrow then =(
No LTE only mode = no 4g for me.

I already did and canceled Verizon, I'll have to stick with sprint. I really loved the charge, and wanted to keep it and stay with Verizon , but my evo gets a full 4g signal both at home and work. Too bad, the charge was an awesome phone
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

It actually seems to be the way android handles 4G, either on purpose or just coincidentally.
I have the same issue at work with Sprint, 4G gives me 2-3 bars but there is NO 3G, but it turns 4G off when the screen is locked, so it sits there trying to get backups in 3G all day, spare parts lets you force wifi to stay on, surely there should be a similar switch for 4G a dev could find.

Any luck on this issue here? I have a feeling I'm in a fringe area where it could potentially switch me between networks quite often...

Is it safe to assume that an LTE-only option is impossible unless Samsung does something to enable this functionality out of their LTE chip (CMC220)?

Any updates on a LTE/4G only option?

I found out how to force LTE Only ...
Warning! If this bonks up your phone, don't blame me!
Use at your own risk!​
Now that we got that out of the way, here is what I have found:
Enable the Hidden Menu option by entering the following code in your phone dialer: *#22745927
Enter an SPC of: 000000
Select: Hiddenmenu Enable
Select: OK (Your phone may reset after this)
To get to the "Force CMDA/LTE/Global" menu, enter the following code in your phone dialer: **583
If you press the LTE button, you will be fixed on the LTE network.
Reset your phone
Taaa-daa!
Note: You apparently need connectivity to the CDMA network to make phone calls & text messages (Thanks, chaoscentral!) Oh, well ...
To reset back to the normal LTE/CDMA automatic selection mode:
Go to the "Force CMDA/LTE/Global" menu by enter the following code in your phone dialer: **583
Press the CDMA button, which will re-enable your phone to default to the CDMA network.
Reset your phone
When your phone boots back up, go to: Settings >> Wireless & network >> Mobile networks >> System selection >> LTE automatic
Cheers!

just keep in mind LTE only mode means no phone calls or text messages. since those go over CDMA

Ah, I should've guessed they would make the phone code for this hidden menu option "LTE". Now I wish there was a way to only disable EV-DO 3G (leaving CDMA intact for phone calls/texts). Can't have it all I guess...
Thanks for this regardless!

PeterDLai said:
Ah, I should've guessed they would make the phone code for this hidden menu option "LTE". Now I wish there was a way to only disable EV-DO 3G (leaving CDMA intact for phone calls/texts). Can't have it all I guess...
Thanks for this regardless!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I tried goofing around with a few different options on the "LTE" theme, but nothing came up.
Then, I realized that I had loaded new ROMs since the last time I had enabled the Hidden Menus option, and figured out that my Hidden Menus were no longer enabled. Once I re-enabled the hidden menus, I tried *#LTE#* (which didn't work), and then **LTE, which did.
BTW, for anyone that has had problems making phone calls after following my original settings, I have updated the post on to how to get back to automatic LTE/CDMA.
Also, has anyone tried that **583 "Global" option yet? Verrrry Interesting!! (But, spooky!)**
Ain't messin' with your phone fun?
** Anyone who gets this reference wins one "Bippy".