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Any way of knowing if data is coming through 3G or WiFi?

Pretty self explanatory this one - is there any way of knowing whether your mobile internet connection (3G) or WiFi is being used in, for example, a browser session? Just don't want to make the mistake of looking at YouTube on the phone, meaning to use the home WiFi, and end up using my 3G by accident, and paying through the nose for extra feed.

ryanbryan said:
Pretty self explanatory this one - is there any way of knowing whether your mobile internet connection (3G) or WiFi is being used in, for example, a browser session? Just don't want to make the mistake of looking at YouTube on the phone, meaning to use the home WiFi, and end up using my 3G by accident, and paying through the nose for extra feed.
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The icons on your task bar should indicate if you have a active data connection.

Or, you can use Spb Wireless Monitor (which you need to purchase). It produces reports telling you which software uses which connections and the amount of data transferred.

In a discussion I had with HTC Tech Support, they told me that wifi, when enabled, over-rides the cellular data. I'm not sure if this just applies to the settings or always. Hopefully, someone can provide a definitive answer.

Yes that is correct, if WIFI is enabled you WILL NOT have a cellular data connection.

Umm. There is a wifi icon in the taskbar o.o and a signal icon also.....whichever is there means it's active and if wifi is there, your data will not be active, only wifi.

What all you are saying is true but some applications still use the data network even if wifi is turned on and connected it seems. I have the same issue(i don't have a data plan with my fuze since my college has wifi everywhere). But things like weather and other native apps on the phone will just turn on the 3g network and stat using data instead of wifi.

if a device is transfering data over gprs/3g whatever
it show arrows moving in the signal str icon
otherwise it use wifi

Applications can choose to use a certain connection if they are programmed to do so, windows only gives each one a type of 'ranking', the fastest connection having the highest ranking and being the one an application is to use by default, but the application can override this and choose whatever connection it likes. This ranking is called the "Interface Metric" if you'd like to learn more about it.
There's an HTC program called 'bytecounter' that monitors the SMDx: ports in the system, which are the ports the system uses for data.. in bytecounter you will see the values increase if an application is using data over cellular network. let me know if you'd like me to upload it.

Umm. There is a wifi icon in the taskbar o.o and a signal icon also.....whichever is there means it's active and if wifi is there, your data will not be active, only wifi.
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Well that wasn't particularly helpful. I too have made the same assumption, but the question asked if there was any way to make sure.
windows only gives each one a type of 'ranking', the fastest connection having the highest ranking and being the one an application is to use by default, but the application can override this and choose whatever connection it likes
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Well that was the kind of answer I was looking for, and is particularly pertinent in my case, as my connection through my mobile provider is about as fast (or maybe even faster) than my fixed line connection at home. A rather bizarre situation, but such is the advancement of Australian broadband infrastructure.
The last couple of times I have used it, I have taken to turning off the phone connection so that only WiFi is running, and then using the internet. It would be good if you can upload the byetcounter program, seems like a free (?) version of the software programatix mentioned.

Here ya go!

Maybe this is just me, but when I try to unzip that file, nothing comes up....?

lol, i always forget to remove the hidden attribute.. let me go ahead and fix that..
Edit: fixed

Newer Windows Live (including the one that come with Touch Pro) will always dial-up the 3G/GPRS connection when checking for email in Messaging. But if you are checking in Windows Live, most of the time it doesn't dial-up but sometimes, it does.
So far that is the only program that I know of behaves like this. I contacted Microsoft regarding this and they keep asking me to contact my celular provider for help. In other word, they are not helping (or do not understand the problem).
Anyway I solved the problem by changing the Connections setting to "My Work Network" for Internet. The catch is, if I really want to use 3G/GPRS, I'll have to change the setting to my celular 3G/GPRS connection.

Or you could use the nodata application from modaco and disable whenever you like the cellular 3g connection just to be sure you are using wifi.When you are away from wifi networks you can in a matter of 2 clicks reenable the cellular 3g connection...

[Q] silly settings question for foreign travel

hi all
so I am going out of the country later this week and had a simple silly question. I want to be able to use wifi on my phone for late night email checks. I do not want to accept calls or send text or use any data over the network.
are these the settings I need:
wifi - on (duh!)
mobile network - off
data roaming - connect to data services when roaming - off
Is there a setting for roaming for regular calls? I do not see it. note this is with a rooted inspire using rcmixkingdom.
thanks

aeneas3 said:
hi all
so I am going out of the country later this week and had a simple silly question. I want to be able to use wifi on my phone for late night email checks. I do not want to accept calls or send text or use any data over the network.
are these the settings I need:
wifi - on (duh!)
mobile network - off
data roaming - connect to data services when roaming - off
Is there a setting for roaming for regular calls? I do not see it. note this is with a rooted inspire using rcmixkingdom.
thanks
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I'll try and answer your questions, but I would still recommend you contact your mobile provider and confirm first. This is from my personal experience.
BE PREPARED ... THIS IS A LONG REPLY
Whenever you leave your service area, the area covered by your mobile provider's network, you enter what we call "roaming." Two things can now happen. Either your phone will not work at all in terms of calls or data, or everything will work. It depends on what agreement you have with your provider. With me, for example, I had long ago called my provider and asked them to NOT allow my phone to operate if I went "roaming." Then, suddenly, when I visited the U.S. last week, I realized that my phone wasn't working and remembered what I had told my provider. A quick phone call to them corrected the issue.
All that being said, if you are set up to roam with your provider, you need to consider a few of things.
One, you need consider where you're going. If you're in Canada, and you're traveling to the U.S., roaming charges may be somewhat expensive. If you're doing the reverse, visiting Canada from the U.S., the same would probably apply. However, if you're going overseas, your roaming charges could be quite expensive, as much as several dollars per minute, depending on the country. Data can also be expensive. For example, with my provider (Rogers - Canada), I have 500MB of data with my monthly plan; however, when I visited the U.S., my plan no longer applied, and I would be charged 3-cents per KB, or a whopping $3.00 per MB. I ended up buying a 10MB extra service fee for $10.00.
Okay, let's consider what you want to do.
If you only want to use WiFi, it will work perfectly if you have the WiFi name and password (if applicable). If you do NOT want to be able to take calls, send texts, or use data, you MUST TURN THEM OFF. Keep in mind, too, that certain programs may automatically access Data for up-dating, such as weather, stocks, sports scores, currency exchange rates, etc. You can turn off this automatic function, which I would suggest. I don't know exactly where this function is on your phone, but you'll have to check it out. This applies to the SYNC function as well. Turn OFF sync to make sure it doesn't accidentally access Data.
Now, for your other question re local phone calls. Once you leave your service area, your phone either works, or it doesn't. There is no other choice. If you don't want to accept calls from home, or make long distance calls, then you have to turn off roaming. If roaming is off, you cannot make local calls either.
Also, keep in mind that if you did make local calls, they would all be considered long distance because, as far as your provider is concerned, your phone's area code is static. If you leave your area code, ALL calls become long distance even though, if you're in another country, and you only want to make a phone call across the street, it will still be a long distance call. Think of it this way, billing begins the moment you press call on your phone, yet in this case, that call effectively begins from you home area code. Therefore, to make a call across the street, it would be identical to making the same call from you home, plus roaming charges.
There is one work-around for the local call issue. You could buy time from a local provider in the country where you will be travelling. This may end up being quite inexpensive. Think of it as a pay-as-you-go plan, if they offer it. So, you would simply remove your existing SIM card and replace it with a new one from the provider in the new country. Use it for local stuff. It may even include data, who knows?
When I visit China, which is rather often, I have a "pay-as-you-go" SIM card which I have with me when I visit. I always keep a balance on the account so they don't cancel it. Then, when I arrive, I make the SIM switch, and voila! Cheap local calls.
Peter

If ALL you want is data for email and internet, turn airplane mode ON (I use a power widget to have this close at my fingers, but you can long push the power button and the option is there as well as in menu>settings>wireless & networks) then turn wifi back on.
Airplane kills all radios, then you have the option to turn wifi only on (specifically for those airlines that provide wifi).

thanks guys! I figured I was going to call AT&T today to make sure but stealthpsycho - airplane + wifi will work wonders. I just tested it out at home and it is beautiful I am going to turn off roaming by calling just to make sure as well. In case I need to reboot and forget that airplane mode is not on.
thanks again!

Went to Vietnam a few weeks ago. Turning on airplane mode and then turning wifi back on does the trick you want.
Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk

W00t! I gots a thx!!!
You're very welcome. I use this trick a lot at the school where I work, b/c I have no cell signal and I want to prevent cell searching. It's also a useful trick if you want to install market apps that AT&T blocks (I.E. PDAnet)

Easy way I go to Japan all I do is take out the sim. Wifi on.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA Premium App

These are the changes that Tmobile made to the phone

By going through the manual & comparing it to the EU version I've compiled a list of things tmous has changed on the phone. (in case anyone was interested)
Removed:
Quick Lookup - ability to select something & choose lookup through Google, Wikipedia, etc
Show Me app
Ebook reader completely missing even though HTC widget is still there
Voice Recorder
Voice Dialer
Dock settings
Locations
The Device Setup on first boot is missing things
Added:
Wifi calling (Tmobile's UMA feature)
I wonder why Tmobile removed all of these?
Here is a Voice Recorder app in the market that someone recommended since ours is missing:
http://market.android.com/details?id=com.tokasiki.android.voicerecorder

Did they keep Locations? And the quick look up thing is actually useful...dumb.

aNYthing24 said:
Did they keep Locations? And the quick look up thing is actually useful...dumb.
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Ya, really dumb move by T-Mobile . Anyone know how to add quick lookup?
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using XDA Premium App

voice recorder is in there I'm sure,I'm sure I seen it

voice recorder is not in there...ive searched for it..theres a widget for it but when you click it it doesnt do anything..

aNYthing24 said:
Did they keep Locations? And the quick look up thing is actually useful...dumb.
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seems to be missing too. updated post.

Man why the **** is it 3 years since using a HTC Touch and they are still locking in bull**** accuweather with no zipcode search or cities that aren't major?
Ran into the voicerecorder bs.
Is there anyway to add any of those features back in or are they hard built into the rom?

Added:
[LIST said:
[*]Wifi calling
[/LIST]
I wonder why Tmobile removed all of these?
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What do you mean by "wifi calling"? is it calling via wifi using SIP provider?
If so, we do have it on our Vodafone UK branded units.
If it's something else, please explain.

well I guess it's good I havn't waited for the 4G to come and pre-ordered the British version.. just one thing, the WiFi Calling looks good.. (first time with Android and HTC xD) is there any way to get it in the UK Sensation Z710e ?

paulmor said:
What do you mean by "wifi calling"? is it calling via wifi using SIP provider?
If so, we do have it on our Vodafone UK branded units.
If it's something else, please explain.
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T-Mobile is a pretty cool system. When you're at home (or on a WiFi network that doesn't do much filtering), phone calls, SMS, and MMS inbound or outbound route through WiFi instead of the cellular network. I've noticed this has the benefit of improving battery life while on WiFi, as it turns off the WCDMA (3G/4G) radio. It actually seems like it might turn off the cellular radio completely, I'll have to check when I get home.
The one downside is that if you are on the phone and walk away from your WiFi network, it will drop the call. It can't hand off.
I'm not sure if this is common in Europe, but in the states, many wireless carriers offer femtocell units that users can install in their home if they have bad reception. WiFi calling eliminates the need for that.

Wifi calling will notify you of a mms but it will not download the message. At least that's my experience with the G2x.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

TheBigSaxon said:
Wifi calling will notify you of a mms but it will not download the message. At least that's my experience with the G2x.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
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ah sorry was just going off what I've been told regarding MMS. I actually don't use SMS or MMS, I use google voice for "SMS" purposes and don't have any use for MMS (if someone wants to send me a photo they just email it).

I have an unbranded phone from HK but also have Show Me and Locations. (Maybe the other stuff too - didn't check).

_kansei_ said:
I've noticed this has the benefit of improving battery life while on WiFi, as it turns off the WCDMA (3G/4G) radio. It actually seems like it might turn off the cellular radio completely, I'll have to check when I get home.
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I think it shuts off the radio as well. My buddy had it turned on by accident & was freaking out because he was on wifi & showed no signal bars.

_kansei_ said:
T-Mobile is a pretty cool system. When you're at home (or on a WiFi network that doesn't do much filtering), phone calls, SMS, and MMS inbound or outbound route through WiFi instead of the cellular network. I've noticed this has the benefit of improving battery life while on WiFi, as it turns off the WCDMA (3G/4G) radio. It actually seems like it might turn off the cellular radio completely, I'll have to check when I get home.
The one downside is that if you are on the phone and walk away from your WiFi network, it will drop the call. It can't hand off.
I'm not sure if this is common in Europe, but in the states, many wireless carriers offer femtocell units that users can install in their home if they have bad reception. WiFi calling eliminates the need for that.
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A similar feature to the TMOUS "wifi calling" is offered in the UK by BT Mobile. They call it BT Fusion.
Fem2cell is available here from Vodafone, known as Sure Signal

Subscribed in case someone posts the APKs to port over these missing features

quailallstar said:
Subscribed in case someone posts the APKs to port over these missing features
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Good call, I'm gonna need wifi calling at the very least before I'll hop over to an alternate ROM (who am I kidding I'm sure I won't be able to resist). The my account app is handy but it's in the market anyway (there was an update a day or two ago).

When you say Dock Settings is there a separate App/Icon for the EU version or are the settings completely gone from withing the Settings Menu?

setzer715 said:
When you say Dock Settings is there a separate App/Icon for the EU version or are the settings completely gone from withing the Settings Menu?
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It's in the settings menu & is gone from the US version

Guys, try installing these apk's for loacations . Not sure about last 2, try firs 2 at first, and then add last two if needed. Not sure if it will work, but worth a try

Texting app that requires no data/wifi

Like any stock carriers SMS service you don't need mobile data or wifi to send and receive messages, I believe they are sent over the background just by being connected to said carries network. Is there an app or is it feasible to send SMS over the network without charging me? I only get 200 messages/month and I currently use text plus and its a battery sipper. I hate the fact I also need power hungry 4g enabled on my phone just to get my messages. Any help? Thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

Fausto77 said:
Like any stock carriers SMS service you don't need mobile data or wifi to send and receive messages, I believe they are sent over the background just by being connected to said carries network. Is there an app or is it feasible to send SMS over the network without charging me? I only get 200 messages/month and I currently use text plus and its a battery sipper. I hate the fact I also need power hungry 4g enabled on my phone just to get my messages. Any help? Thanks
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
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Who is your carrier? Pretty sure you do not need 4G (or any data) to send/retrieve SMS, only MMS.
You can disable your 4G data to save battery power, but you can still get/make calls and send/retrieve SMS. I personally use a data on/off widget that I place on my home screen, which makes it real easy to turn on/off the data to save the battery. I only turn it on when I need to use the internet in some way (or for MMS). It's called Data ON-OFF by Antonio La Rocca. It's free, very simple and works great (widget even looks good and has a few skin options).
Or you can simply go into your settings to disable 4G/3G data manually. Settings -> Wireless and network -> Mobile networks -> and uncheck "Use packet data". This will leave only the basic connection to your carrier for calls and SMS. You will still get a prompt for MMS, but you will need to enable the data to download/view it.

I have yet to see one that provides true free txt, all i have seen require the use of data, so being near a wifi hotspot or enabling your data seems to be the only way to go, would be interesting to know if there is an actual free sms service without the use of data.

I know that I can use att SMS. I'm talking about a 3rd party app
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app

[Q] Restrict Data Roaming International?

Hey all! I've tried googling/searching XDA, but I must have my terms wrong or no one is talking about it.
Question: Is there a way to restrict which mobile networks my phone will connect to?
Device: Google Nexus 5 32gb, Stock Rom/Kernel with Root access
I'm switching to a T-Mobile Simple Choice plan with free 2g data in 100 countries, and going on a cruise shortly after. A couple of the ports of call are on the list, while others are not on the list. It sure would be nice to just leave my phone on and have it only connect to the free networks. I contracted T-Mobile and was pointed to a document letting me know that I will be notified if charges are incurred, but I'd rather not get charged at all. This I could solve manually by carrying the list of countries with me and only turning off airplane when I am there, but that does seem like a pain to me.
The other problem, cruise ships have cell networks onboard now. These networks are charged as international and not included in the Simple Choice deal. Even if I am in port, I am concerned I may still connect to this netowork. I imagine there is an app I could use to at least see which network I am on (I can't find it indicated in Settings anywhere - probably blind), but I would need to prevent my phone from roaming onto that network when both are in range.
I'd really appreciate any thoughts/suggestions. The only thing I can think of is some kind of custom block that would like me restrict network connections. All way over my head.
Thanks again
Matt

You're going to have to manually select them. I'd turn data roaming off until you get some where you know you can turn it on. Also, most port of calls have Wi-Fi and I'd use that where you can. You can often even get it on the ship at a port, although you might have to find the right location on the ship where you can do that.

jd1639 said:
You're going to have to manually select them. I'd turn data roaming off until you get some where you know you can turn it on. Also, most port of calls have Wi-Fi and I'd use that where you can. You can often even get it on the ship at a port, although you might have to find the right location on the ship where you can do that.
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Thanks for the tip about Wi-Fi networks. Absolutely. Unfortunately, I'm not even sure how to manually select the network to which my phone connects. Any advice on where/how to select that?
Matt

Settings, Wireless and network, more, mobile networks, network operators