Switching between UMTS and HSPA bug - Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G

An almost identical topic already exists in HTC One S section (Radio UMTS/HSPA switching bug (3g/4g)), but I was thinking that maybe there is a different possible fix for Blaze 4G.
I am currently on the AT&T network using Straight Talk SIM. On the status bar it displays 3G with enough bars, but from time to time it stops receiving data in the middle of the transaction. When it happens, the mobile network type is shown as UMTS under "About phone" -> "Status". When it switches back to HSPA, the data resumes. It really messes up my browsing a lot
When I was still on T-Mobile, it did not seem to happen, as the connection was either "4G" or E (mobile network types HSPA+ or EDGE, respectively). I never noticed UMTS in the phone status while using T-Mobile.
One of the reasons I chose Blaze 4G is because it supports both AWS and 1900 bands, so it can work on AT&T and T-Mobile networks. As we know, T-Mobile coverage is not great, so the connection often switched from "4G" to edge. Being on AT&T, the connection firmly stays on 3G, but now I have this annoying bug.
Your input and suggestions would be highly appreciated! By the way, I am using a stock ROM with root.

I have had the same issue with my GS3 as well as my S2 and Sensation, all on T-Mobile. It is something I've noticed. Another thing I noticed, that is shady on T-Mobile's end, is that they show "4G" even if it is on UMTS.

RevenG said:
I have had the same issue with my GS3 as well as my S2 and Sensation, all on T-Mobile. It is something I've noticed. Another thing I noticed, that is shady on T-Mobile's end, is that they show "4G" even if it is on UMTS.
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Click to collapse
Blaze only has 4g, E, and G, while on T-Mobile that's why it displays 4g while in umts, Umts is 3g and since there is no 3g icon it shows as 4g, hspa+ is "4g"
Sent from my SGH-T769 using xda premium

RevenG said:
I have had the same issue with my GS3 as well as my S2 and Sensation, all on T-Mobile. It is something I've noticed. Another thing I noticed, that is shady on T-Mobile's end, is that they show "4G" even if it is on UMTS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that shady? UMTS Band IV (AWS) provides HSPA+ service. Looks like 1700MHz will be split 50/50 for GSM and H+ coverage, and teh 1900MHz will be split LTE/H+ by next year.
TMO said:
As part of its transition to deploy LTE on its 1700 MHz spectrum, T-Mobile will refarm its PCS spectrum to support both 2G GSM services and HSPA+ services. In a recent FCC filing, T-Mobile said by mid-2013, its expects half of its 1900 MHz spectrum to be devoted to GSM while the other half will run HSPA+ services, and that by then half of its AWS spectrum will support HSPA+ and the other half LTE.
Read more: T-Mobile to test HSPA+ in 1900 MHz for iPhone - FierceWireless http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/t-mobile-test-hspa-1900-mhz-iphone/2012-06-08#ixzz24wzhoLRc
Subscribe: http://www.fiercewireless.com/signup?sourceform=Viral-Tynt-FierceWireless-FierceWireless
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Click to collapse
http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/t-mobile-test-hspa-1900-mhz-iphone/2012-06-08
This chart also indicates that the AWS and PCS spectrums are both used for H+ communications. However, it is a tid bit simplified...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-Mobile_USA#Radio_frequency_spectrum_chart
---------- Post added at 11:00 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:53 AM ----------
Have you tried flashing the other radio? I'm not sure which radio you're using, or if the other one will perform better. However, it does seem like your problem is being caused by the radio.
E107946 said:
An almost identical topic already exists in HTC One S section (Radio UMTS/HSPA switching bug (3g/4g)), but I was thinking that maybe there is a different possible fix for Blaze 4G.
I am currently on the AT&T network using Straight Talk SIM. On the status bar it displays 3G with enough bars, but from time to time it stops receiving data in the middle of the transaction. When it happens, the mobile network type is shown as UMTS under "About phone" -> "Status". When it switches back to HSPA, the data resumes. It really messes up my browsing a lot
When I was still on T-Mobile, it did not seem to happen, as the connection was either "4G" or E (mobile network types HSPA+ or EDGE, respectively). I never noticed UMTS in the phone status while using T-Mobile.
One of the reasons I chose Blaze 4G is because it supports both AWS and 1900 bands, so it can work on AT&T and T-Mobile networks. As we know, T-Mobile coverage is not great, so the connection often switched from "4G" to edge. Being on AT&T, the connection firmly stays on 3G, but now I have this annoying bug.
Your input and suggestions would be highly appreciated! By the way, I am using a stock ROM with root.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

snoopy1e11 said:
Blaze only has 4g, E, and G, while on T-Mobile that's why it displays 4g while in umts, Umts is 3g and since there is no 3g icon it shows as 4g, hspa+ is "4g"
Sent from my SGH-T769 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually it does have a 3G icon smart guy

I never seen a 3g icon and I live in a 3g area. Smartguy
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I have only seen 4g and e, but never 3g
Sent from my SGH-T769

I have been in a couple areas where it kept switching between 4g and 3g so don't assume there is no icon just because it has never been on your phone.

Screenshots or it didnt happen
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If it happens again I will

For what it is worth, my unlocked Blaze 4G running on WIND Network in Canada (HSPA/HSPA+) only shows 3G icon and always says UMTS in Phone->Status, running UVLF4 radio.
myorks1127 said:
If it happens again I will
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Click to collapse

theshowman said:
For what it is worth, my unlocked Blaze 4G running on WIND Network in Canada (HSPA/HSPA+) only shows 3G icon and always says UMTS in Phone->Status, running UVLF4 radio.
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Click to collapse
Exactly so the phone is CAPABLE of showing 3G in the signal indication, mine is stock

theshowman said:
For what it is worth, my unlocked Blaze 4G running on WIND Network in Canada (HSPA/HSPA+) only shows 3G icon and always says UMTS in Phone->Status, running UVLF4 radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did say "on T-Mobile" I have no doubts it'll show 3g on unlocked or another sim but as I say I live in a 3g area my phone shows umts with 4g icon
Sent from my SGH-T769 using xda premium

And here is the screenshot to prove, happened to me today at the gym. Stock everything as well.

Have you tried flashing the other radio? I'm not sure which radio you're using, or if the other one will perform better. However, it does seem like your problem is being caused by the radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using a stock radio because it supports both 1700 MHz and 1900 MHz bands (Tmo and AT&T) - that is why I bought this phone in the first place. I am not sure there are other radios around for my phone, and even if there are, I am not sure what benefit I would get from flashing a non-stock radio. Very few phones support bands for both GSM providers in the USA; usually, it is either Tmo or AT&T.
On a another note: I got a Tmo SIM card from Straight Talk, and now I do not have this UMTS switching bug. The coverage is a bit worse, but where I have HSPA+, it is still 2-3 times faster than what I got from AT&T HSPA network.

myorks1127 said:
And here is the screenshot to prove, happened to me today at the gym. Stock everything as well.
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Click to collapse
It is not surprising, as T-mobile is rolling out HSPA+ on 1900 MHz band. It will be happening more in the future as more areas will be re-farmed. Since there are only few T-mobile phones that can support 1900 MHz, other users will not see it happen. On the other hand, those few with iPhones on T-mobile network can finally see 3G.
What puzzles me is why it shows 3G instead of "4G" on 1900 MHz band right now? Do they need to upgrade this band to HSPA+ during re-farming?

myorks1127 said:
Actually it does have a 3G icon smart guy
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Click to collapse
Yep, it absolutely does on dark knight build 8.
Oh you guys are talking about ...stock..?
Yeah no 3g icon on stock as T-Mo views all 3g as 4g now. There's no 3g icon on ANY 4g T-Mo phone's stock rom (with a T-Mo sim card). It is how they claimed to have the 'largest 4g network' during that ad campaign. Funny how T-Mo no longer claims that (or is no longer allowed to claim that)....
Here where I live I only have 3g. I have verified this using speedtest where I have never had more than 1.7 down/ 400 up. In Minneapolis I know there's 4g service as I have had speeds as high as 11 down / 2 up and average 8 down 1.5 up. All 3 of those statements are confirmed using Dark Knight build 8 as I have a 3g icon here at home and a 4g icon when I am in Minneapolis. The whole drive to Minneapolis showed '4g' on my wife's Sensation 4G. No, I am completely positive there's no 3g icon in the stock rom for any newer T-Mo 4g phone. If there is a 3g icon on any 4g t-mo phone (using T-Mo service), by all means educate me.

There obviously is a 3G icon as in the screenshot i posted. This rarely happens in the specific area I am in a lot (Gym) but my phone is totally stock and always shows 4G everywhere else. Let the screenshot educate you...

myorks1127 said:
There obviously is a 3G icon as in the screenshot i posted. This rarely happens in the specific area I am in a lot (Gym) but my phone is totally stock and always shows 4G everywhere else. Let the screenshot educate you...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you using a T-Mo sim with T-Mo service?

Yes T-Mobile everything, everything stock never rooted yet. BTW I went to st.cloud state for my first year of college, small world

Related

[Q] Samsung Vibrant 4G SPECIFICATIONS

I know the original vibrant was a pentaband phone, supporting AT&T's 850/1900 networks as well as t-mobiles 3g networks....
Can anyone confirm the 3g bands on the new Vibrant 4g?
Will there be fast 3g 21mbps for 850/1900 on the modem chip also? ( or 4g whatever you want to call it, in my book its just faster 3g..)
someone enter the debug screen and check which bands are available...
cheers!
stealthj said:
I know the original vibrant was a pentaband phone, supporting AT&T's 850/1900 networks as well as t-mobiles 3g networks....
Can anyone confirm the 3g bands on the new Vibrant 4g?
Will there be fast 3g 21mbps for 850/1900 on the modem chip also? ( or 4g whatever you want to call it, in my book its just faster 3g..)
someone enter the debug screen and check which bands are available...
cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I get to the debug screen? *#*#4636#*#* gives me WCMDA/GSM under phone info
Sent from my SGH-T959V using XDA App
stealthj said:
I know the original vibrant was a pentaband phone, supporting AT&T's 850/1900 networks as well as t-mobiles 3g networks....
Can anyone confirm the 3g bands on the new Vibrant 4g?
Will there be fast 3g 21mbps for 850/1900 on the modem chip also? ( or 4g whatever you want to call it, in my book its just faster 3g..)
someone enter the debug screen and check which bands are available...
cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Curious about this as well. Currently using a vibrant on at&t...
Sent from my SGH-T959 using Tapatalk
stealthj said:
I know the original vibrant was a pentaband phone, supporting AT&T's 850/1900 networks as well as t-mobiles 3g networks....
Can anyone confirm the 3g bands on the new Vibrant 4g?
Will there be fast 3g 21mbps for 850/1900 on the modem chip also? ( or 4g whatever you want to call it, in my book its just faster 3g..)
someone enter the debug screen and check which bands are available...
cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HSPA+ 21 only works with T-mobile, AT&T doesn't use an AWS band, in this case is 1700/2100Mhz.
Someone may have been able to 'trick' the vibrant into using a basic UMTS band on AT&T, but I never heard of it, let alone heard that the Vibrant supported AT&T 3G. The Vibrant has GSM.support for them (2G), I haven't seen anything else.
Where's the supporting documents that people have been getting At&t 3G with a T-Mobile Vibrant?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
TheMan42 said:
HSPA+ 21 only works with T-mobile, AT&T doesn't use an AWS band, in this case is 1700/2100Mhz.
Someone may have been able to 'trick' the vibrant into using a basic UMTS band on AT&T, but I never heard of it, let alone heard that the Vibrant supported AT&T 3G. The Vibrant has GSM.support for them (2G), I haven't seen anything else.
Where's the supporting documents that people have been getting At&t 3G with a T-Mobile Vibrant?
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Trust me.... I'm using a vibrant on at&t with 3g. It does support the wcdma 1900 band. There is alot of evidence of this...heck engadget made a post about this... google it!
Edit: What I was trying to ask is if the galaxy s 4g supports the 1900 wcdma that the original vibrant supported....
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Not sure how I could check unless i unlocked it..
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princedwi said:
Not sure how I could check unless i unlocked it..
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That would work....hopefully the galaxy s 4g can be unlocked the same way the previous galaxy s phones could.
In my research I have found that 4G is not backwards compatable with 3G. Someware I read that companys are putting 3G and 4G chips on the new 4G phones to bridge the gap between the 3G chip ability to handle voice and the 4G chip being able to handle data. I can't say for sure if SGS4G has both chips. It's a know issue that the 3G SGS misses calls when connected to a laptop because It does not handle data well in combination with voice. That's why I upgraded to the 4G. I don't think Its going to make a lot of difference until TM gets their HW in place with a backbone that can support it.
Samsung Galaxy S 4G 1900 MHz WCDMA
I bought my Samsung Galaxy S 4G at a T-Mobile store in San Francisco. I subsequently upgraded it to the latest firmware provided by T-Mobile using Samsung Kies.
I usually use WCDMA only mode because GSM causes awful buzzing sound when I use it in my car (I have a FM transmitter connected to my phone).
Anyways, I was curious to see if I'd see AT&T, so I searched for network (still under WCDMA Only mode), and it found both AT&T and T-Mobile.
I pressed *#197328640# in the dialer, and then went to the debug screen/band selection to look at available bands, and it actually does have 1900 WCDMA.
It shows
GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900, WCDMA 2100 (FDD I), WCDMA 1700 (FDD IV), WCDMA 1900(FDD II).
I don't know if AT&T SIM would work since my phone is locked but I can report back once I get it unlocked.
EDIT: Reading an old post of mine, I realized that my memory played a bad trick on me. My tests DID work on 1900 WCDMA and DID NOT work on 850 WCDMA, just opposite to what I wrote earlier in this post. --sorry
fm219 said:
...Anyways, I was curious to see if I'd see AT&T, so I searched for network (still under WCDMA Only mode), and it found both AT&T and T-Mobile.
I pressed *#197328640# in the dialer, and then went to the debug screen/band selection to look at available bands, and it actually does have 1900 WCDMA.
It shows
GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900, WCDMA 2100 (FDD I), WCDMA 1700 (FDD IV), WCDMA 1900(FDD II).
I don't know if AT&T SIM would work since my phone is locked but I can report back once I get it unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it would work. For reference, here is a side by side band comparison between my Vibrant (tested 3G on AT&T) and my coworker's SGS 4G (locked, untested).
The essential band here is the 850 1900 WCDMA, but the "overflow" 850 WCDMA is missing and I couldn't make it work anyways (I'm in Houston, maybe it is not switched on here).
My understanding is that AT&T usually uses 1900MHz for 3G, and in certain cities where they don't have enough bandwidth in 1900 MHz like NYC and SF, they use 850MHz.. so you could still get by with only 1900 MHz, no?
EDIT: Reading my old post, my memory played a bad trick on me. My test DID work on 1900 and DID NOT work on 850, just opposite to what I wrote earlier on this post.
fm219 said:
My understanding is that AT&T usually uses 1900MHz for 3G, and in certain cities where they don't have enough bandwidth in 1900 MHz like NYC and SF, they use 850MHz.. so you could still get by with only 1900 MHz, no?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, thats what I have heard as well. Now one thing of note. When I tested my Vibe, it only worked on the 850 1900 WCDMA band. Could not make it work on the 850 no matter how hard I tried. I'm in Houston for that matter and maybe this 850 WCDMA is not enabled here.
This was my test: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=9958501&postcount=14
fosormic said:
EDIT: Reading an old post of mine, I realized that my memory played a bad trick on me. My tests DID work on 1900 WCDMA and DID NOT work on 850 WCDMA, just opposite to what I wrote earlier in this post. --sorry
I don't think it would work. For reference, here is a side by side band comparison between my Vibrant (tested 3G on AT&T) and my coworker's SGS 4G (locked, untested).
The essential band here is the 850 1900 WCDMA, but the "overflow" 850 WCDMA is missing and I couldn't make it work anyways (I'm in Houston, maybe it is not switched on here).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm currently unlocked on AT&T and i'm on 3G. I ALWAYS have an issue with upload speeds, but otherwise download speeds are just fine.
I attached four photos, of the available bands with my CURRENT galaxy S 4G unlocked on AT&T.
Also, a speed test I ran. That download speed is WAY higher than average because it was taken when the network was under the lightest usage possible, late at night.
Oh wow, over 5Mbps download on AT&T?
Are you on AT&T's 4G (HSPA+) or 3G?
I'm supposedly on T-Mobile 4G (my phone shows 4G when I download/upload), but I don't ever get 5Mbps. I get usually something around 2~3Mbps down and 1Mbps upload. I'm in the Bay Area.
I went into phone debug page, and one of the screens says HSDPA[0], HSUPA[0]. It also says network status: HSDPA (sorry I don't have the exact info on me right now).
Am I really just on HSDPA, not HSPA+? Is there a definite way to find out what my phone is using? Thank you.
fm219 said:
Oh wow, over 5Mbps download on AT&T?
Are you on AT&T's 4G (HSPA+) or 3G?
I'm supposedly on T-Mobile 4G (my phone shows 4G when I download/upload), but I don't ever get 5Mbps. I get usually something around 2~3Mbps down and 1Mbps upload. I'm in the Bay Area.
I went into phone debug page, and one of the screens says HSDPA[0], HSUPA[0]. It also says network status: HSDPA (sorry I don't have the exact info on me right now).
Am I really just on HSDPA, not HSPA+? Is there a definite way to find out what my phone is using? Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Technically I'm on HSPA+, though this phone doesn't even cover all of the "necessary" bands.
Look, to edit what bands you're on go into the market and download SGS Tools.
Then, go into the first line (Secret Codes) and hit Band Selection.
I'm on AT&T so I'm not sure what bands you need, but you can manually select them in there.
To check the band you're on, go to GSM Status in the "Secret Codes" page again.
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Oh I know I'm on 1700/2100 MHz because that's the only frequency (AWS) that T-Mobile uses for WCDMA/UMTS/4G/3G.
I downloaded Phono, and it says Network Type is HSDPA. Shouldn't it say HSPA+? I'm just wondering if there's an easy way to tell if I'm really on 4G (aka HSPA+) as opposed to 3G.
I actually messed around with debug settings last night so I'm worried that I screwed it up....
Thank you!
fm219 said:
Oh I know I'm on 1700/2100 MHz because that's the only frequency (AWS) that T-Mobile uses for WCDMA/UMTS/4G/3G.
I downloaded Phono, and it says Network Type is HSDPA. Shouldn't it say HSPA+? I'm just wondering if there's an easy way to tell if I'm really on 4G (aka HSPA+) as opposed to 3G.
I actually messed around with debug settings last night so I'm worried that I screwed it up....
Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which debug settings did you change?
And as for Phono (which I've never even heard of/used until now), my phone says HSDPA as well, which, quite frankly, makes no sense. I guess you can technically get speeds of around 5MBPS on HSDPA but it's not typical.
You should easily be able to tell whether you're on HSDPA or HSPA+ with the 4G/3G connectivity icon. in your status bar.
Now, I'm no expert, but hopefully that answers your question.
I played around with GCF settings. When I go into debug mode, there was something about choosing Rel.6 or Rel.5 or cancel settings.. And then also, if you do *#3214789#, you can enable/disable GCF Mode.. which I have no idea what it is about....
Thanks!
fm219 said:
I played around with GCF settings. When I go into debug mode, there was something about choosing Rel.6 or Rel.5 or cancel settings.. And then also, if you do *#3214789#, you can enable/disable GCF Mode.. which I have no idea what it is about....
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm...that's awfully strange.....
I can't find anything about it anywhere....
Try restoring using ODIN yet?
I mean, if the phone is that messed up since you messed with that setting.
I put my friends att sim in my unlocked sgs4g to test and the 3g sign came up by the bars as well as the att operator logo didn't really test out speeds but im guessing that the 3g sign wouldn't have came up unless it was really picking up that frequency.

G2x 3G????

I have noticed in the 3 days since I have had my g2x that I never get 3g, I either get 2g or 4g on my status bar, but never 3g. Anybody else having this issue?? Considering sending it back to TMO for a new one. And yes I have a new similar card, got it about 3 months ago when I had my G2.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
I've noticed the same thing though idk if that's really a bad thing....
They probably lumped 3g and 4g together.
That's what I was thinking but wasn't sure.....has anyone seen 3G on their status bar ever????
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Come to think of it... I haven't.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
I've read other threads here where people report seeing a 3G icon... I haven't seen it myself.
But it's possible that we're in areas where HSPA+ is turned on, which is "4G", and once you leave that range, you are in 2G (EDGE) territory. In other words, there's no area near us that is just HSPA (3G), it's either HSPA+ or EDGE.
Too many people not doing a search. No one has seen the 3g logo/symbol yet. Also a side note for those complaining about 4g speeds:
T-Mobile USA uses the 1700/2100 MHz AWS Band for its 3G network. The carrier states it allows faster download and upload data speeds utilizing HSPA+ technology, which allows for simultaneous voice and data. Upgrades to HSPA+ are planned for 2009 through 2010 which may boost average download speeds from 7.2Mbps to 21Mbps. (Reported from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-Mobile)
But my old G2 that I had just a few days ago hag Edge(2G), 3G, and H(HSPA/4G). Now with my new g2x it's either 2G, or 4G. No 3G.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
yes they are lump together. It's always 4g or 2g. It's a marketing thing, they want us to think that we always have 4g, when a lot of the time we're only getting 3g speeds.
moemoney12 said:
yes they are lump together. It's always 4g or 2g. It's a marketing thing, they want us to think that we always have 4g, when a lot of the time we're only getting 3g speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This, its not that we don't have 3g. Its that the display in the upper right hand corner says either 2g or 4g.
moemoney12 said:
yes they are lump together. It's always 4g or 2g. It's a marketing thing, they want us to think that we always have 4g, when a lot of the time we're only getting 3g speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. My "4G" speeds range from 1.5 Mbps to 7.0 Mbps down depending on my physical location
Sent from my G2x
se1zure31 said:
Too many people not doing a search. No one has seen the 3g logo/symbol yet. Also a side note for those complaining about 4g speeds:
T-Mobile USA uses the 1700/2100 MHz AWS Band for its 3G network. The carrier states it allows faster download and upload data speeds utilizing HSPA+ technology, which allows for simultaneous voice and data. Upgrades to HSPA+ are planned for 2009 through 2010 which may boost average download speeds from 7.2Mbps to 21Mbps. (Reported from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-Mobile)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually there is a thread here where someone stated they did see 3G (I'm skeptical) on a long distance driving trip they did.
There is also a comment from someone that the "missing" 3G icon is a bug TMO is aware of and will fix in the first software update. Take it for what it's worth (although I would believe this one).
You will not see a 3G icon appear on any TMO 4G device.
Here is the reason:T-Mobile is using the same frequencies for 3G as they do for "4G". Meaning they are using the same cell tower/antenna. The upgrade in speed comes from a base station software upgrade and a strengthened backhaul. HSPA+ devices branded as 4G literally cannot tell the difference between 3G and 4G.
DelinQuentisDQ said:
You will not see a 3G icon appear on any TMO 4G device.
Here is the reason:T-Mobile is using the same frequencies for 3G as they do for "4G". Meaning they are using the same cell tower/antenna. The upgrade in speed comes from a base station software upgrade and a strengthened backhaul. HSPA+ devices branded as 4G literally cannot tell the difference between 3G and 4G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You forgot a technology: UMTS (on which HSPA is based). It can tell the difference between UMTS and HSPA (but not HSPA and HSPA+). That's why other phones have had separate "3G" and "H" icons. Both were originally 3G technologies (in the same way that GPRS and EDGE are both 2G), but HSPA has been expanded to now qualify as a 4G technology (I'm not going to argue semantics here, HSPA+ is 4G and provides faster speeds than WiMAX).
Has anyone pulled apart the framework-res.apk to see if there's a 3G png in there?
I haven't seen 3g sign either, only 2g or 4g, mostly 2g though, and I'm in vegas... I'm returning the phone for that reason, and I have very bad light bleeding from the top corners too. When calling t mobile, they don't even try to troubleshoot, I guess they r aware of that problem already. Now I'm waiting for another one in the mail
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
se1zure31 said:
Too many people not doing a search. No one has seen the 3g logo/symbol yet. Also a side note for those complaining about 4g speeds:
T-Mobile USA uses the 1700/2100 MHz AWS Band for its 3G network. The carrier states it allows faster download and upload data speeds utilizing HSPA+ technology, which allows for simultaneous voice and data. Upgrades to HSPA+ are planned for 2009 through 2010 which may boost average download speeds from 7.2Mbps to 21Mbps. (Reported from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-Mobile)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to add: The G2x is limited to 14.4Mbps theoretical maximum download speed So you won't enjoy anywhere near 21Mbps, or 42Mbps which is now rolling out slowly and is already in 3 cities (Las Vegas, NYC, Orlando). The most I've gotten on my G2x is 7.9Mbps down.
moemoney12 said:
yes they are lump together. It's always 4g or 2g. It's a marketing thing, they want us to think that we always have 4g, when a lot of the time we're only getting 3g speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
bobthq said:
I haven't seen 3g sign either, only 2g or 4g, mostly 2g though, and I'm in vegas... I'm returning the phone for that reason, and I have very bad light bleeding from the top corners too. When calling t mobile, they don't even try to troubleshoot, I guess they r aware of that problem already. Now I'm waiting for another one in the mail
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can understand returning the phone because of the bleeding but to say your going to return the device because you haven't seen a 3G icon is laughable.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
I haven't seen a 3G icon either but I don't think ir bothers me one bit. In fact, I am trying to grasp why it would bother anyone.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA App
4G Says UMTS ?????
jrwingate6 said:
I haven't seen a 3G icon either but I don't think ir bothers me one bit. In fact, I am trying to grasp why it would bother anyone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My beef is not the lack of a 3G icon, although I have yet to see one on my phone.
My beef is the lack of reception at my work, a problem the Galaxy S 4G and MyTouch 4G dont seem to have.
And why does the phone say UMTS when its on 4G ?
That right there tends to make me think the phone has an issue
(along with poor/no reception at work).

[Q] 2G, 3G, 4G? [T-Mobile]

Does TMobile not have a 3G speed?
Im always on EDGE unless I go Downtown. Then its HSPA+
Its never HSPA.
Verizon has 3G AND LTE coverage? wtf
BUMP.
I really want to know the reason for the issue
T-Mobile's '4G' network is just an enhanced version of their 3G network. So when you see 4G in some areas, you might actually be running on 3G speeds.
aNYthing24 said:
T-Mobile's '4G' network is just an enhanced version of their 3G network. So when you see 4G in some areas, you might actually be running on 3G speeds.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that much,
but I never get HSPA (3G) unless Im directly under HSPA+(4G)
Basically I am always on EDGE unless I'm downtown.
Other TMO phones and VErizon have 3G coverage nearly everywhere..they never drop to EDGE or 2G
Correct me if I'm wrong, but t mobile does not have true 4g. When you get the 4g icon on your phone, that's just their enhanced 3g. So you are getting 3g. From what I've read i think they just upgraded their 3g towers with hshpa+ which only hsdpa+ enabled phones like the sensation 4g can take advantage of. What you're really missing is true 4g
burnie022 said:
Correct me if I'm wrong, but t mobile does not have true 4g. When you get the 4g icon on your phone, that's just their enhanced 3g. So you are getting 3g. From what I've read i think they just upgraded their 3g towers with hshpa+ which only hsdpa+ enabled phones like the sensation 4g can take advantage of. What you're really missing is true 4g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I feel as no one is fully understanding what I'm trying to say.
I know 4G is really an overmarketed 3G+
Now, Tmobile phones and other services receive 3G where I only receive "2G" .
But I do receive HSPA+ when I go downtown.
Why dont I receive normal 3G speeds like other devices?
Its either EDGE or HSPA+
Never an inbetween
Check T-Mobile's website, where you live probably doesn't have or hasn't been upgraded to the 3G/4G service yet. Layman's term; the towers around your house don't support 3G/4G. Call T-Mobile and have them check.
This is common in a lot of suburbs that have a low population. Like you mentioned when you go downtown, you'll have 3G but not at home.
xdviper said:
Check T-Mobile's website, where you live probably doesn't have or hasn't been upgraded to the 3G/4G service yet. Layman's term; the towers around your house don't support 3G/4G. Call T-Mobile and have them check.
This is common in a lot of suburbs that have a low population. Like you mentioned when you go downtown, you'll have 3G but not at home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hopefully your right. Hate it to be a problem with my SIM or phone.
I dont live but 5minutes from downtown.
Very residential but still out of the way, so like i said hopefully your right
I can directly relate to your problem. First off, I didn't know that T-Mobile's 4G is just 3G+, but that's good to know. I've had the HTC Sensation 4G for over 3 months, and I've travelled all over LA and the only services I've seen are 4G, 2G, & G. I've yet to see 3G.
I'll see my Sensation jump between "H" and "3G" all the time - essentially the same thing, as noted.
(in case this was part of your question) "Standard 3G" (such as what AT&T offers) isn't available on TMOUS because they missed out on buying part of the "standard 3G" spectrum.
Before my Sensation I had a Legend (still do actually) - it's a "standard GSM/3G" phone. Without the TMOUS-specific radio, best data I could get was EDGE. (though if I went to UK and used a local SIM, I'd get 3G just fine due to compatibility with their 3G nets)

[Q] HSPA+(HSUPA) on other than T-mobile?

I thought I can connect my 4GS onto the other UMTS network, but its max was HSDPA:9 (HSDPA:8 in JB).
Other phone such as Photon Q didn't have problem in connecting with HSPA+:15
Do I have to manually enable something? I believe this phone's potential is better than this
My carrier is using 2100MHz band, and my baseband ROM is a new one.
Is this info relevant : ?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1914122 [ Enable North American UMTS/HSPA bands (3G data on AT&T)]
palmwangja said:
My carrier is using 2100MHz band, and my baseband ROM is a new one.
Is this info relevant : ?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1914122 [ Enable North American UMTS/HSPA bands (3G data on AT&T)]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your carrier is using the 2100MHz frequency, this phone should have no problem using HSPA+ with it. When I travel to China, I use a China Unicom SIM in my MT4GS which enables my phone to use their 2100MHz HSPA+ network without any problem. Back at home in US, I use T-Mobile SIM.
Fuzi0719 said:
If your carrier is using the 2100MHz frequency, this phone should have no problem using HSPA+ with it. When I travel to China, I use a China Unicom SIM in my MT4GS which enables my phone to use their 2100MHz HSPA+ network without any problem. Back at home in US, I use T-Mobile SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, I don't know what causes this...
So, you are seeing H+ (HSPAP:15) right? All I can see with various ROMs are only 3G and H....
Do speed tests, symbols don't always mean what they say after all
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
just tested: only around 3Mbps whereas other hspa+ phone got 9Mbps...
Is there any hidden menu to tick this on?
palmwangja said:
Thanks, I don't know what causes this...
So, you are seeing H+ (HSPAP:15) right? All I can see with various ROMs are only 3G and H....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock ROMs are configured by HTC/T-Mobile to display 4G when it has a HSPA+ connection. Other ROMs, however, will display 3G or H (depending on the ROM) for HSPA+. So, if you see 3G, H, or 4G, they are all HSPA+ connections. This phone operates data in the G (GPRS), E (2G or EDGE), and 4G/3G/H (HSPA+) modes. Depending on the carrier, it can perform up to 14Mbps HSPA+ but of course, you would rarely see that fast in the real world. It does not operate at the 21+ or 42+ levels of HSPA+.
I'm on a stock-based ROM (Miktouch), when I'm home on T-Mobile, I see 4G. Also, when I'm in China and connected to China Unicom, I see 4G.
I've never seen "H" on this phone, it always shown 3G or 4G (using stock ROM, just de-junked and rooted by myself)
IIRC speed test results, I had best down speed exceeding 14+Mbps on Wind in Vancouver and Toronto areas, but in US it almost always was 3G only (but then I was usually outside any large cities).
Fuzi0719 said:
The stock ROMs are configured by HTC/T-Mobile to display 4G when it has a HSPA+ connection. Other ROMs, however, will display 3G or H (depending on the ROM) for HSPA+. So, if you see 3G, H, or 4G, they are all HSPA+ connections. This phone operates data in the G (GPRS), E (2G or EDGE), and 4G/3G/H (HSPA+) modes. Depending on the carrier, it can perform up to 14Mbps HSPA+ but of course, you would rarely see that fast in the real world. It does not operate at the 21+ or 42+ levels of HSPA+.
I'm on a stock-based ROM (Miktouch), when I'm home on T-Mobile, I see 4G. Also, when I'm in China and connected to China Unicom, I see 4G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the input, if you are using non-stock rom, still would you let me know what the following says in the most normal case:
setting - phone - status - mobile network type.
In my case, it's HSDPA:9, which seems obviously non-HSPA. Other phone shows HSPA+:15 or HSPAP:15.
Am I missing something, or HSDPA:9 can be also considered as a decent HSPA+ ?
I'm kinda downshifting toward MT4GS recently as I love its small form factor, but somewhat at a loss due to this limitation, thanks.

[Q] Nexus 5 LTE & HSPA

Hello everyone,
Just got my Nexus 5 with carrier AT&T and got my LTE activated using the IMEI that came with the N5 and everything works great. Just a quick question regarding the icons that are shown depending on which network you are on. When on LTE it will show LTE above the signal bar. When not on an LTE band it will switch over to H. My understanding is that the H stands for HSPA+. Would this be the equivalent of 4G? I was under the assumption that the H was basically 3G. I also thought then when using LTE it is considered LTE/4G, so wouldn't the LTE switch to a 4G symbol, or does the Nexus 5 not have this and that would be what the H is referencing.
Thank you.
H is hspa+ which is faster than 3g but not as fast as lte. I am usually on H+ or lte. I rarely get the 3g symbol on AT&T. I also found that H+ is almost as fast as Verizon LTE. I think it is due to do many devices on their network.
eevingsa the
jm700wx said:
H is hspa+ which is faster than 3g but not as fast as lte. I am usually on H+ or lte. I rarely get the 3g symbol on AT&T. I also found that H+ is almost as fast as Verizon LTE. I think it is due to do many devices on their network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, so basically you won't get the 4G symbol on the Nexus 5 using AT&T? Mainly what happens is i'm on LTE, then when I make a phone call it switches to H (HSPA+). I thought AT&T is able to do voice calls over a 4G network. I may be wrong.
celphtitle said:
Thanks, so basically you won't get the 4G symbol on the Nexus 5 using AT&T? Mainly what happens is i'm on LTE, then when I make a phone call it switches to H (HSPA+). I thought AT&T is able to do voice calls over a 4G network. I may be wrong.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may have to manually add in AT&T's LTE apn (which you can find with a quick google search) if your phone doesn't automatically pick it up. Also make sure your SIM card has been provisioned to work with the LTE bands (use with another 4G phone ex. S3, HTC One)
k3anan said:
You may have to manually add in AT&T's LTE apn (which you can find with a quick google search) if your phone doesn't automatically pick it up. Also make sure your SIM card has been provisioned to work with the LTE bands (use with another 4G phone ex. S3, HTC One)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I get LTE, I just don't get 4G. I figured the phone doesn't show a 4G icon, but if it does, then I'll check my sim in another device.
Google just changed the "4G" icon to "LTE". On jelly bean, LTE would show "4G" if you had the hybrid N4 radio flashed. hspa+ has always shown "H" on the stock ROM. Some custom ROMs have you the "H+" symbol though.
As for voice calls on at&t, they go over their hspa+ network, at&t uses their LTE for data only at this time. BTW, at&t considers their hspa+ to be "4G".
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
gotzaDroid said:
Google just changed the "4G" icon to "LTE". On jelly bean, LTE would show "4G" if you had the hybrid N4 radio flashed. hspa+ has always shown "H" on the stock ROM. Some custom ROMs have you the "H+" symbol though.
As for voice calls on at&t, they go over their hspa+ network, at&t uses their LTE for data only at this time. BTW, at&t considers their hspa+ to be "4G".
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, exactly the answer I was looking for. So I am good to go then, I see the LTE icon, and H when making voice calls.
Thank you very much.
celphtitle said:
Well I get LTE, I just don't get 4G. I figured the phone doesn't show a 4G icon, but if it does, then I'll check my sim in another device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
4G and LTE are the same thing. LTE is a denotation of the network standard just like 3G is EDGE. If you're getting LTE above the signal indicator you are on the 4G network.
EDIT: gotzaDroid explained it much better than I did.
k3anan said:
4G and LTE are the same thing. LTE is a denotation of the network standard just like 3G is EDGE. If you're getting LTE above the signal indicator you are on the 4G network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yea my concern was that when I would make a phone call, the LTE would switch to H. I didn't know that H was basically AT&T's "4G".
celphtitle said:
yea my concern was that when I would make a phone call, the LTE would switch to H. I didn't know that H was basically AT&T's "4G".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, it is the same on T-Mobile. When they refer to 4G, they are referring to HSPA+ (or H). I like to call AT&T and T-Mobile's 4G, fauxG since it is really just an improvement upon 3G. I don't know who shot first, but I wish the marketing teams would have called it 3G+ or something instead of lying to everyone or at least referred to LTE as 5G. So now everyone has 4G and 4G LTE and really LTE deserves more as it isn't a hack job to get more speed. It will replace all the legacy networks and even eventually be used for voice transmission.
Yes it switches because they're currently you cannot surf the web while being on a phone call with LTE, so it auto switches to hspa+ so you can surf the web while talking
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda premium
dijit4l said:
Yeah, it is the same on T-Mobile. When they refer to 4G, they are referring to HSPA+ (or H). I like to call AT&T and T-Mobile's 4G, fauxG since it is really just an improvement upon 3G. I don't know who shot first, but I wish the marketing teams would have called it 3G+ or something instead of lying to everyone or at least referred to LTE as 5G. So now everyone has 4G and 4G LTE and really LTE deserves more as it isn't a hack job to get more speed. It will replace all the legacy networks and even eventually be used for voice transmission.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's no big deal. I considered HSPA+ more or less 3G+ anyway. All is well, you guys are great help. Got my phone unlocked the bootloader and set everything up, got my LTE (which I did not get with the nexus 4). Time to play around with the phone some more now.
I have had my Nexus 5 for a few days now and I have noticed quite a difference in reception between lte and hspa on T-Mobile. I will have lte marked and have one maybe two bars. Then I switched to hspa and then my bars went all the way up. Why is this?
dijit4l said:
Yeah, it is the same on T-Mobile. When they refer to 4G, they are referring to HSPA+ (or H). I like to call AT&T and T-Mobile's 4G, fauxG since it is really just an improvement upon 3G. I don't know who shot first, but I wish the marketing teams would have called it 3G+ or something instead of lying to everyone or at least referred to LTE as 5G. So now everyone has 4G and 4G LTE and really LTE deserves more as it isn't a hack job to get more speed. It will replace all the legacy networks and even eventually be used for voice transmission.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You realize LTE is also not REALLY 4G...
4G is a communications standard, that currently no one meets. In fact, many people report that T-Mobile HSPA+ is faster than Verizon LTE in their areas. Of course, now AT&T and T-Mobile both offer LTE and HSPA+. Which puts them above Verizon in my eyes, because when LTE goes out, you have HSPA to fall back on.
gotzaDroid said:
Google just changed the "4G" icon to "LTE". On jelly bean, LTE would show "4G" if you had the hybrid N4 radio flashed. hspa+ has always shown "H" on the stock ROM. Some custom ROMs have you the "H+" symbol though.
As for voice calls on at&t, they go over their hspa+ network, at&t uses their LTE for data only at this time. BTW, at&t considers their hspa+ to be "4G".
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm with Australian network provider Telstra, and my phone shows 4G all the time(regardless whether it is transmitting data or not) when I'm in 4G coverage, 3G when I'm not in coverage and not having data acativity and H when it is transmitting data. Do you think it is the different device model and/or the network provider contributed to the difference between mine and what you guys have in the State?
maolin95 said:
I'm with Australian network provider Telstra, and my phone shows 4G all the time(regardless whether it is transmitting data or not) when I'm in 4G coverage, 3G when I'm not in coverage and not having data acativity and H when it is transmitting data. Do you think it is the different device model and/or the network provider contributed to the difference between mine and what you guys have in the State?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It wouldn't surprise me that the North American 820 model had the "LTE"symbol cooked in at the request of service providers here.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Simer03 said:
Yes it switches because they're currently you cannot surf the web while being on a phone call with LTE, so it auto switches to hspa+ so you can surf the web while talking
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This confuses me. Can't the nexus 5 use both at the same time? You're getting text messages over HSPA(+) with LTE on.
I'm still puzzled why when I make a call why LTE goes away and HSPA+ shows up. This is on T-Mobile.
phoneman09 said:
I have had my Nexus 5 for a few days now and I have noticed quite a difference in reception between lte and hspa on T-Mobile. I will have lte marked and have one maybe two bars. Then I switched to hspa and then my bars went all the way up. Why is this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I have some good news to report. I was having the same issue as you and really getting down about it. I went to my nearest T-Mobile store and told them of my situation. The rep called tech support and he did some sort of reset to my account, I am not sure what exactly. I also asked if I could get a new SIM. I was given that new ISIS SIM and as soon as my phone fired up, it started using LTE. After I left the store, from being in my pocket, it was on HSPA for a few moments and then it finally chose LTE and stuck with LTE the entire time I was within its coverage. I am really happy with my phone now, it now behaves like my hacked Nexus 4 on LTE did.
jm700wx said:
H is hspa+ which is faster than 3g but not as fast as lte. I am usually on H+ or lte. I rarely get the 3g symbol on AT&T. I also found that H+ is almost as fast as Verizon LTE. I think it is due to do many devices on their network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This isn't *entirely* true.
You'll see the LTE symbol when you're on LTE, that's easy.
You'll see the H when you're on HSPA or HSPA+, which means you'll see it when you're on the network that old phones used to just call 3G.
The other symbols are specifically for Edge. I know it doesn't seem like it, since one is a 3G symbol, but do a speedtest and you'll see it. Modern phones display things poorly for connections because of the differentiation of HSPA and HSPA+. It's obnoxious.
---------- Post added at 12:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:44 PM ----------
Zandeer said:
You realize LTE is also not REALLY 4G...
4G is a communications standard, that currently no one meets. In fact, many people report that T-Mobile HSPA+ is faster than Verizon LTE in their areas. Of course, now AT&T and T-Mobile both offer LTE and HSPA+. Which puts them above Verizon in my eyes, because when LTE goes out, you have HSPA to fall back on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, that's not correct.
ITU-R said:
On December 6, 2010, ITU-R recognized that these two technologies, as well as other beyond-3G technologies that do not fulfill the IMT-Advanced requirements, could nevertheless be considered "4G", provided they represent forerunners to IMT-Advanced compliant versions and "a substantial level of improvement in performance and capabilities with respect to the initial third generation systems now deployed".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LTE, and even HSPA+, are considered 4G.
As for the 'Why does it switch from LTE to HSPA+ when I make a call?' question, LTE does not support standard switch-based telephony, meaning you cannot make voice calls using the network. Some carriers (I think Verizon is ahead, but I don't remember) are going to be supporting VoIP soon (voice over IP), which allows calls to be made using the LTE network, but they're all data-based (think Skype). As such, current phones will switch to HSPA+ or CDMA to make the phone call and then switch back once it's done.
hotleadsingerguy said:
As for the 'Why does it switch from LTE to HSPA+ when I make a call?' question, LTE does not support standard switch-based telephony, meaning you cannot make voice calls using the network. Some carriers (I think Verizon is ahead, but I don't remember) are going to be supporting VoIP soon (voice over IP), which allows calls to be made using the LTE network, but they're all data-based (think Skype). As such, current phones will switch to HSPA+ or CDMA to make the phone call and then switch back once it's done.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not really accurate. Verizon's newer phones (Galaxy S3 for example) will let you call while on LTE. That's why I'm having such a hard time understanding why the N5 won't let LTE stay on while making a call. Doesn't it have a radio for data (LTE) and and radio for voice? Seems like both should be working in parallel like on VZ.

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