[Q] National roaming and slow switching back to home network - Nexus S Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I am with a carrier (U) that supports 3g in limited areas, outside the coverage, I will be switched to another carrier (C), but only with EDGE connectivity.
I am living in the 3g coverage area, but somehow the car park is not covered, so everytime I go to my office car park, it switches to C, and when I am back in the ground floor and up, I noticed that sometimes its very slow in switching back to the carrier U.
I have called U up and they asked me to use the "Select Network Automatically" settings, but that doesn't seems to help much as sometimes even after 30 minutes it didn't switch back, until I go into the network settings.

I have noticed this too.
I an on Sprint. If my phone switches to 1x cdma (slow), it may not switch back to 3G if I am actively using data. I have to uncheck and recheck "data enabled" to bump it back. It seems to switch back ok if data is idle.

hmm, wonder if I could do something with tasker about this.

Related

Questions about 3G/umts connection

A work colleague is using a sim free touch cruise on the vodafone network but vodafone don't have any support for this device (mind you neither does HTC ). We got the vodafone settings for billpay vodafone off the internet and input them and can now surf, download gmail etc over HSDPA (H icon shows) and then it automatically reverts to 3G when not in use.
The problem is that the icon for 3G/umts in use is always on (ie the small 3G over the signal strength) and when the bigger 3G icon is touched it shows how long connected to 3G and as the device is still connected it keeps counting time even though the application using 3G is shut down.
My questions are as follows:
In this state (big 3G icon showing and small 3G icon above signal strenght) is this costing anything being constantly connected to 3G but not using it?
How can it be set to automatically disconnect?
My own touch cruise is on the 3 network but I don't have this difficulty.
My thinking is that it might have something to do with "vodafone live" but not sure what is happening or possibly have selected the wrong set of settings for vodafone ireland as there is a few different sets.
Sorry this is a bit long winded but any advice much appreciated.
The always ON connection is general behaviour... it doesn't matter which network is the device on.
The big 3G/H icons only represent the available network (G(PRS)/E(DGE)/3G/H(SDPA))
The smaller is the signal strength...
The cost of the always ON connection depends on the dataplan being used... if it's an unlimited or a fairly large one like 5GB, it won't matter... but it realy depends on the data recieved....
In my case the avarage hourly traffic is around 1 MB, but i have a little e-mail traffic going so... whith a few mails and every 30 minute checking the traffic should be around 500 KB or lower...
As for the Auto-Disconnect, please search the forum... there are several threads about this in both subforums.
Thats great gnick666 thanks for your reply.
I know the Advanced Configuration Tool has an auto disconnect feature, but I had some issues with it and never went back to go play around with it.
You can also hold down the End button and a menu pops up and you can end data connection there. Or alternatively you can configure it so that holding down the End button always disconnects your data connection.
I have an unlimited data plan so not worried about data, I'm not sure however what the impact to battery usage is so I disconnect "just in case".
As for the 3G / H icon behaviors. Depending on which part of the country I'm in, I get different icons. Sometimes I get 3G and it switches to H when doing data. Othertimes it's always H whether disconnected or connected. (This is assuming that I'm in a 3G location) and not switching back to Edge.
Mine mostly shows the bigger 3G icon and the signal strenght icon with the little antenna icon (I'm on the 3 network which is 3g) but when I download data the small icon changes to 3G and then both change to H as required. Once finished it disconnects and reverts back to 3G. I have Schapps Advanced config tool installed.

Any Way To Force Hsdpa Alone???

As the subject states, is there a way to force HSDPA alone on 3G enabled pocket pcs (using Polaris) without it going back to 3G.. a kind of way to keep data request on so that hspda wont go back to standby.
Thanks
I have same problem.
I live in HSPDA supported area, Kaiser gets full H bars etc, but my Kaiser keeps switching between GPRS, 3G and EDGE for some weird reason
Hi Guys,
You can't force your handset to only use HSDPA services. HSDPA will not be enabled until you start a large download or stream services that require higher bandwidth. The BTS (base station covering you) is informed by the controling switch when to give you an HSDPA bearer, this is triggered by your data throughput. If you are not downloading a large file etc then you will not be given an HSDPA channel. This decision is always taken by the RNC (controling switch) and cannot be forced
There are a few reasons why you might switch between 3G/HSDPA/EDGE etc. These are primarily based on RF conditions - if your received signal strength falls below a certain level (decided by the network planners) you will be forced to handover to 2G (generaly a stronger signal if you live on the edge of 3G coverage) Some networks also have load based handover enabled - therefore if you serving BTS is getting highly loaded it will then hand you over to 2G/EDGE and you cannot force this either. You can of cource force you phone to only lock onto the 3G network and ignore 2G, then you will always at least get a 3G bearer but this will not guarantee HSDPA service - this will only be given if you have good enough signal and if you are using enough throughput. Forcing to 3G will of course increase the amount of call drops you have as you will not be able to hop onto another carrier
Sorry guys!!
^^^That's funny, when I was in an HSPA zone with my Fuze the H stayed on all the time... For that reason, I think you must be incorrect. Sitting there doing nothing, transferring data, didn't matter, always showed H when it was available. This happened in Boston, Albany, and NYC... So it's surely not a fluke based on the area. My data usage at the end of the month wasn't ridiculous either, so it wasn't constantly sucking data for any reason.
bumps.. i would like help on this too coz i use my phone for tethering and it always lags coz when the connection stays idle it switches to 3G instead of remaining on HSPDA..
Im not sure if this wud do but u cud try .. open up dialer n dial *#*#4636*#*# -> Phone information scroll down and there's selection of network type .. try WCDMA only?
terry3386 said:
Im not sure if this wud do but u cud try .. open up dialer n dial *#*#4636*#*# -> Phone information scroll down and there's selection of network type .. try WCDMA only?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is on that by default
Is possible to change modem software?
matcol said:
Hi Guys,
You can't force your handset to only use HSDPA services. HSDPA will not be enabled until you start a large download or stream services that require higher bandwidth. The BTS (base station covering you) is informed by the controling switch when to give you an HSDPA bearer, this is triggered by your data throughput. If you are not downloading a large file etc then you will not be given an HSDPA channel. This decision is always taken by the RNC (controling switch) and cannot be forced
There are a few reasons why you might switch between 3G/HSDPA/EDGE etc. These are primarily based on RF conditions - if your received signal strength falls below a certain level (decided by the network planners) you will be forced to handover to 2G (generaly a stronger signal if you live on the edge of 3G coverage) Some networks also have load based handover enabled - therefore if you serving BTS is getting highly loaded it will then hand you over to 2G/EDGE and you cannot force this either. You can of cource force you phone to only lock onto the 3G network and ignore 2G, then you will always at least get a 3G bearer but this will not guarantee HSDPA service - this will only be given if you have good enough signal and if you are using enough throughput. Forcing to 3G will of course increase the amount of call drops you have as you will not be able to hop onto another carrier
Sorry guys!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
am i correct to say that based on your explanation, switching from 3G to HSDPA is cell station controlled and not controllable via our handphone?

[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

[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)?

[Q] HELP** NFC Tag - Change Preferred Network Type????

I currently have a Nexus 5 and I love the phone so far. The only issue I have right now is has to do with my Airave 2.5. Long story short my phone recognizes the LTE tower close by and when a call comes in it automatically switches from LTE to 3G. (Totally normally and no issues there), but it doesn't first look for my Airave (Which it needs too service is very hit and miss at my location voice wise). Either way it doesn't really matter since I use WiFI while at home for data. The work around is to go into Settings--> Wireless & Networks - More.. --> Mobile Networks --> Preferred network type. Change from LTE/ Global to 3G. Once I do this my phone picks up the Airave perfectly while I'm at home and my calls don't cut out all the time. But when I leave the house I want to turn back on LTE.
My question is this... Is there a way to program an NFC tag to toggle those options. For example one tag in my car I hit and it flips it to LTE and another tag at my home flips it to 3G??? I've tired a few different applications with little success since that type of setting normally require root but not on the Nexus 5. Any recommendations or things I could try?

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