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[Q] Edge handoff with Nexus S?

Hi I am new here. i have been lurking for a bit but didn't find an answer to the question I have so I decided to sign up. First a little background... first time android user coming from an iphone. I really like the NS, couldn't be happier. I am also pleasantly surprised by T-Mobile's data speeds. I live in Manhattan and as everyone knows ATT is the pits for reliable service and fast data speeds there. I have gotten 5.11mbps down using the speed test app on T-Mo in my apt. With ATT I could only get .78mbps down as the highest. Videos, websites, music downloads are all really quick on the NS. It is actually faster then my cable provider's internet service...probably because time warner sucks and my cable is split about 45 ways. I happen to work in Jersey City, right on the Hudson river overlooking Manhattan. When I am in the World financial center in lower Manhattan commuting to work I get the same high data speeds as I do in my apt. The WFC is right across from where I work. When I check T-Mo's coverage map there are 2 cell towers a stones throw from my building on the river front. That being said I only get Edge coverage. Does anyone else have an issue with bad 3G to Edge handoff with the NS or with T-Mo in general? I feel like I should have solid 3G service there! Is there a way to force 3G?....I would assume that 2 bars on 3G is better then 5 on Edge, at least as far as data speeds are concerned. T-Mo's site list my job site as having excellent coverage. Also, I have eliminated the possibility that the building I work in is causing the issue. When I am outside the issue persists. I have about a .25 mile walk to my building in Jersey and all along the way I am sitting on Edge.

Greg Tolan said:
Hi I am new here. i have been lurking for a bit but didn't find an answer to the question I have so I decided to sign up. First a little background... first time android user coming from an iphone. I really like the NS, couldn't be happier. I am also pleasantly surprised by T-Mobile's data speeds. I live in Manhattan and as everyone knows ATT is the pits for reliable service and fast data speeds there. I have gotten 5.11mbps down using the speed test app on T-Mo in my apt. With ATT I could only get .78mbps down as the highest. Videos, websites, music downloads are all really quick on the NS. It is actually faster then my cable provider's internet service...probably because time warner sucks and my cable is split about 45 ways. I happen to work in Jersey City, right on the Hudson river overlooking Manhattan. When I am in the World financial center in lower Manhattan commuting to work I get the same high data speeds as I do in my apt. The WFC is right across from where I work. When I check T-Mo's coverage map there are 2 cell towers a stones throw from my building on the river front. That being said I only get Edge coverage. Does anyone else have an issue with bad 3G to Edge handoff with the NS or with T-Mo in general? I feel like I should have solid 3G service there! Is there a way to force 3G?....I would assume that 2 bars on 3G is better then 5 on Edge, at least as far as data speeds are concerned. T-Mo's site list my job site as having excellent coverage. Also, I have eliminated the possibility that the building I work in is causing the issue. When I am outside the issue persists. I have about a .25 mile walk to my building in Jersey and all along the way I am sitting on Edge.
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kinda confused, are you using the phone on ATT or Tmo?
if its on ATT you will only be getting EDGE

Sorry for the confusion...this is on on T-Mo.

To help diagnose the problem ... do you have any friends who can verify that there is in fact T-Mobile 3G coverage at your work? (where you say you only have EDGE)
This could be a service issue that T-Mobile is unaware of; you could also call customer service and request that they test those towers.

may also be a matter of a Tech re associating your device with the tower

@Ravidavi: unfortunately I am the only t-mobile user in my group! everyone else is on vzw or att.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

I've seen this too. This is my first t mobile phone too but it switches to edge and stays there in solid 3g areas. I want to like t mobile more but this is making it hard for me.

I'll call customer service. Complaining a bit might put it on their radar....
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

I called customer service. There is a known issue in the area.... Must be related to the blizzard we had.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

Welcome to Android!
For the future, you can force 3G by going to your dialer and inputting:
*#*#4636#*#*
Phone Information
Flick down to where you see Preferred Network Type
Select 'Wcdma Only"
You will see your signal reset and should 3G be available in that area, you'll pick it up. I'm also a fellow Manhattanite and am too loving the T-Mobile speeds since I came from iPhone in January 2010 with Nexus One

Sweet thanks for that. It indeed showed no service at all on wcdma. That will definitely be a handy trick in the future!
allen099 said:
Welcome to Android!
For the future, you can force 3G by going to your dialer and inputting:
*#*#4636#*#*
Phone Information
Flick down to where you see Preferred Network Type
Select 'Wcdma Only"
You will see your signal reset and should 3G be available in that area, you'll pick it up. I'm also a fellow Manhattanite and am too loving the T-Mobile speeds since I came from iPhone in January 2010 with Nexus One
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

just got gx2 having some issues

I just got the phone today me and fiance both got same phone we were told our area had 3g coverage i contacted tmobile support and the tech stated it is not availabe he actually suggested we seek another carrier anyone have any suggestions to getting better quality signal and data...

Since you bought it from Tmob you should ask and get the unlock codes for free and also should be opt out of the early contract termination fee as well because it was not your fault about the coverage area. Don't let them push you around. Stick to your guns that the tmob rep said you would have 3G and yet you do not.
Check with ATT and see if they have better coverage in your area. The G2X can work on ATT networks as well but you would have to do some research on the settings and etc.
Thats my two cents if your gonna leave Tmob and keep the phones.
As for getting better reception or data signal theres pretty much nothing you can do to make it better if the towers aren't there.

fabricatedhero said:
Since you bought it.......
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Agree with all that, maybe you can get the phone as a Standard rate plan, which they don't offer with smart phones. You can then use it wifi all over the place. And when the merger hits, you might get better reception if they can share antenna....though some say the G2x will not work on any 3G ATT signals.

thanks for the responses
Yea ive been searching around seeing if there was a fix or noticable difference in rooted pre gb releases for better sig/data strength and such i even caled tmo when i got home and spoke with tech rep and he suggested that i just return devices and go to a diff network I felt that was a horrible way to represent the company. Didnt even try or make a feeble attempt to troubleshoot just blew it off to ah well you dont get 3g in your area so to bad basically.

fabricatedhero said:
Since you bought it from Tmob you should ask and get the unlock codes for free and also should be opt out of the early contract termination fee as well because it was not your fault about the coverage area. Don't let them push you around. Stick to your guns that the tmob rep said you would have 3G and yet you do not.
Check with ATT and see if they have better coverage in your area. The G2X can work on ATT networks as well but you would have to do some research on the settings and etc.
Thats my two cents if your gonna leave Tmob and keep the phones.
As for getting better reception or data signal theres pretty much nothing you can do to make it better if the towers aren't there.
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Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the G2X only works on the 1700mhz 3G band. ATT does not use this band so he would be stuck on 2g, which is exactly the problem he's having with tmobs now.

well i should have gone further in to detail
The issue is in the store i was told that i would be in a 3g area once i got home i was only staring at the letter G on the highway i had 2G but at home now even outside I am at G and tech on the phone said i was in 2g area then proceeded to tell me i should look in to another company problem is ive tried verizon which is incredible service horrible support and sprint which had great customer service but horrid service I can travel to mount vernon and data roam.

knickfan5745 said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the G2X only works on the 1700mhz 3G band. ATT does not use this band so he would be stuck on 2g, which is exactly the problem he's having with tmobs now.
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Hmmm you might be right and i have to retract my statement cuz now ever since the phone was released it showed that it was quad band and had both bands for tmob and ATT for 2g/3g/4g bands and now LG says its not.
Even Tmobs site showed it had that capability. I'm reading into it now. Thanks for the refresh course.

No one suggested WiFi Calling? I use it at work and its awesome. Really cuts down on battery usage too. Plus WiFi Calling is now FREE on Tmobile so why WOULDN'T you want to use it at home or at work?
Beats paying AT&T for a $100 WiFi Extender and having it come out of your bank of minutes.
Plus WiFi Calling works over standard WiFi, so even at McDonalds it will work.
Of course this is under the assumption that there IS some coverage around your home. If there was NO service then I would probably just look elsewhere. If you can at least make calls in your neighborhood and calls, text, and surf the web at home (using WiFi Calling and WiFi) then that isn't so bad. Text messages work on any network grade. The only issue you'd have with a slower network is data. But if there is decent service "around" your house, then WiFi calling works wonders to make sure you are online around your home.
It would actually be kinda cool to reply on a WiFi router for service because at 10pm I could just pull the plug and cells go off. No kids texting at 2am.

fabricatedhero said:
Hmmm you might be right and i have to retract my statement cuz now ever since the phone was released it showed that it was quad band and had both bands for tmob and ATT for 2g/3g/4g bands and now LG says its not.
Even Tmobs site showed it had that capability. I'm reading into it now. Thanks for the refresh course.
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No one really knows but Tmobile is releasing lots of "Quad-band" phones in the event the AT&T merger goes through. They've even stated they ONCE the merger goes through, they will unlock the other frequencies.
So while there is no absolute answer whether our phones are truely quad-band until we crack it open and actually test, it would be odd that it passed FCC, had it listed on the website, and touted as one of the biggest features... only to NOT have no such hardware.
Makes more sense that Tmobile just "locked it up" for now.

mikeew83 said:
Yea ive been searching around seeing if there was a fix or noticable difference in rooted pre gb releases for better sig/data strength and such i even caled tmo when i got home and spoke with tech rep and he suggested that i just return devices and go to a diff network I felt that was a horrible way to represent the company. Didnt even try or make a feeble attempt to troubleshoot just blew it off to ah well you dont get 3g in your area so to bad basically.
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There really isn't much the csr over the phone can do. If you don't have service the person on the phone can't magically teleport a tower into your hood.
They offered you the chance to return the phone and get your money back. How else would you like them to proceed when they can't provide you with service?

Thanks all for the responses
Yea thats what ive been doing just got it set up to wifi in the house honestly out and about not that big an issue as i already have everything i need on the phone at that point unless its a game using data based connectivity which i can deal the phone in itself is just to nice for me to let go of and as for the last post honestly youve waited your breathe and I dont appreciate the rudeness really there is no magic tmo fairy to pop out of my ass and stick a new tower in my back yard gosh there goes that idea. but yea def love the phone testing out root lol i couldnt wait day 1 rooted and working on a good rom/kernel combo in the near future you can look forward to me buildling from aosp soon as this has been something i have been nearing for quite a while now just couldnt find a decent enough phone to dev on so be on the look out for the Triumph Rom coming soon to your neck of the woods.

I was rude? I thought I was just being logical and asked what you would have done if you were the csr.
I'm glad you are at least trying the phone out via wifi, 99% of the people here would have ditched it.

well if i mistook you i apologize
But i def would not recommend someone leave my business for another without prior checking thoroughly to see what other options there may be this guy spent 5 minutes on the phone with me he was in tech support and did no do any literally anything to troubleshoot why i was listed in a 2g area but only getting 1g was my big issue but honestly ill take this over sprint any day i cannot leave the house 5 minutes in any direction without data roaming so just pushed over dark and sin with faux kernel going to set it up and test drive I will be working up some gb roms once official release is out which from the reads i have found is only sometime soon. heres to hoping.

Cel-fi @ t-mobil to increase cell signal.

I got a text from T-MOBIL last week telling me my accounts are eligible for a wireless cellular repeater to call T-MOBIL for more info.
I forgot about the text and today a 800 number called me. I was wondering who it was it was T-MOBIL, When I called back.
I guess I have another Christmas present coming.
I hope this fixes my problems. I posts a review.
I be using two different phone's:
1. LG G2X P999
2. SAMSUNG GALAXY S
Cel-Fi is a device, similar to a cellular repeater, designed to eliminate in-building dead zones and improve indoor mobile phone reception.
Created by Nextivity, Inc., the Cel-Fi systems are designed with smart antenna technology to seek out the best available signal to maximize signal gain to phone user. The
Cel-Fi consists of two wireless devices, a Window Unit and Coverage Unit that work jointly to increase 3G and 4G mobile broadband connectivity throughout the building. The window unit receives the signal and relays it to the receiver, which converts it and amplifies it.
Trialed for a period of time in both the US and UK by T-Mobile. Approved in UK by T-Mobile and Orange in 2011. Cel-Fi systems are comparable to mobile phone repeaters and femtocell technology.
I HOPE THIS IS IN THE RIGHT FOURM.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

Just ordered mine as signal issues have been ongoing for 8 months or so. The requirements as I was told are as follows:
1. You must have only ONE BAR of signal at your home.
2. You must live in either a Residental home OR an apartment complex.
3. Have a cell plan of $65.00 or more per month.
4. They Charge for shipping ( ground - $6.51 Expedite $20.00) must be paid immedialty on a credit card.
5.They EXTENDED your contract for 2 yrs. ( I had done so 2 months prior , so they extended it for 2 more months)
6. You have 20 days to decide if the unit works for you, or you must return.
7. If you leave t-Mobile, you must return the device or they will charge $500.00 for it.
Anyone wanting the device should go directly to " specialized care dept" not customer service.
Specialized care Dept, who actually handles the devices. I was told they do NOT have then in the stores. really hoping it helps my signal issues, as I'm concerened about T-Mobile and the issues they have us all experencing . Once I receive the unit and try it out, I'll report back on how good/bad it is. Good luck out there, Hoping the next year comes with much Improvements on thier behalf... And I be alot happier next year!!!
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

RESERVED!!!
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

Sounds pretty cool if you don't have wifi. But if you do have wifi at home, why not just use wifi calling? Still, this is cool information.

C0dy said:
Sounds pretty cool if you don't have wifi. But if you do have wifi at home, why not just use wifi calling? Still, this is cool information.
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For me I still miss calls and I still get dropped calls.
WI-FI works most of the times and sometimes it does not work at all, Or not properly.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

I get 2-3 bars at 4G now in my whole house, Before this I had no signal except when WI-FI calling was active.
I'LL repost how well it works at a later date.
Thanks
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

What frequency band does the Window unit use to talk to the Coverage unit?
If it's 2.4GHz, it could seriously interfere with wifi internet in your home...is that the case?

lannister80 said:
What frequency band does the Window unit use to talk to the Coverage unit?
If it's 2.4GHz, it could seriously interfere with wifi internet in your home...is that the case?
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Click to collapse
What frequency is used to communicate between the two boxes?
Cel-Fi uses channels from both the UNII-1 (either 5.15-5.25 GHz OR 5.25-5.35GHz) and the UNII-2 block (5.47-5.725 GHz) to communicate between the Window Unit and the Coverage Unit.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

I wonder if they have something for multiple users in an apartment building.
Everyone in the basement of my building gets very little service. I think my landlord would be willing to buy a booster to help the situation. Is there such a thing?

They told me it covers 13,000
SQ./FT.
Prices are about $500.00 US
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

Thanks for the answer. Does it cover multiple users who are not on a family plan or anything?

gggirlgeek said:
I wonder if they have something for multiple users in an apartment building.
Everyone in the basement of my building gets very little service. I think my landlord would be willing to buy a booster to help the situation. Is there such a thing?
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Click to collapse
I do recall when I worked with T-Mobile that they would sometimes work deals with landlords to provide service to apartment or business buildings. It would need to be the person who owns the property who contacts them, and they have a specific number to contact... I just don't remember what it is right now. It's the same department that handles leasing space for towers, but they also dealt with large buildings. A device like this may not fall under that department, but I'm sure if your landlord contacted T-Mobile's customer relations (not just customer service) then someone would be willing to discuss it.

Well it's only 8 people in the basement, and not all on T-mo so it sounds like they'll just have to stick with wifi calling... or hangin' their head out the window.

I have had this since December.
Here's what's new.
I get 4 bars of signal in my house, garage and outside in my yard.
Single story house.
Exceed all my need very happy to not miss calls any calls or text messages. No more WI-FI calling for me was very unreliable compared to this option.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

I'd love to get this, but I'm not really trying to extend my contract with T-Mobile.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

FatalityBoyZahy said:
I'd love to get this, but I'm not really trying to extend my contract with T-Mobile.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got rid of my contracts and switched to the walmart prepaid version of tmobile (family mobile). 55$ a month 8gb of data is nice for a single line. It uses tmobile towers and service, the only drawback I have found is you cant use google voice or call forwarding other then that, it works well for me.
If you live in an area that gets poor signal or if your house blocks alot of the signal you can call them and complain constantly, and they will eventually give you a signal booster. Especially if you have been on tmobile for a while.

You can buy it for $500.00 and no contract. LOL
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

kwes1020 said:
I got rid of my contracts and switched to the walmart prepaid version of tmobile (family mobile). 55$ a month 8gb of data is nice for a single line. It uses tmobile towers and service, the only drawback I have found is you cant use google voice or call forwarding other then that, it works well for me.
If you live in an area that gets poor signal or if your house blocks alot of the signal you can call them and complain constantly, and they will eventually give you a signal booster. Especially if you have been on tmobile for a while.
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Click to collapse
No google voice? How do they manage to block that?

kwes1020 said:
I got rid of my contracts and switched to the walmart prepaid version of tmobile (family mobile). 55$ a month 8gb of data is nice for a single line. It uses tmobile towers and service, the only drawback I have found is you cant use google voice or call forwarding other then that, it works well for me.
If you live in an area that gets poor signal or if your house blocks alot of the signal you can call them and complain constantly, and they will eventually give you a signal booster. Especially if you have been on tmobile for a while.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I can convince them to give me the signal booster without extending my contract? My family has been with T-Mobile since 2004? I think... Haha. Also, does it just boost signal for calling, or does it boost HSPA+ and such?

In my case they had on file that we call all the time for no service.
Read my first two post a lot of info there.
I post some screen shots.
Hope that helps.
Sent from my LG-P999 using xda premium

[Q] about different signals from cell towers by area

ok so this is what some sales rep was telling me the other day, on why my cell won't get reception where im at. what she said was because i bought my cell in the west coast thy aint set up for the towers here in the south, so basicly what she was saying was cell A only really works with tower A and because i have a A and im trying to use it with a tower B it's not going to work as well because the frequency thy use are different then a tower A. it kind of sounds like i was just trying to be sold a new phone to me. i cant see a cell company putting up something as expensive as cell tower and not having it have the capability of using multiple frequency or a cellphone dosnt have the capability of using multiple ones. when my 10 year old modem can.. thx in advanced

Best thing I can say to that is... That rep is an idiot.
Find someone else to talk to.

Rep is a f*cktard. Ignore, and move on
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You can lead a fool to wisdom but you can't make him think! XDA, mobile wisdom, not a n00b feeding ground!!

(Question) WiFi calling

I've heard the Sprint G3 has WiFi Calling support. Is it possible. To get that feature on at&t? Thanks in advance!

AT&T network does not support that feature so no
Sent from my LG-D850 using Tapatalk

It'd be awfully nice if we had that feature. Especially since the ATT G3 radios blow. The frustrating part is every GSM carrier on the planet can implement this service rather easily. The fact that att hasn't (and charged up it's $10 super awesome att price gouge ninja special attack of lame) implemented it makes no sense. I poke fun with the name of the service (which btw BETTER be what they call if they do opt for it in the future) but there really is no reason not to. The two most jank carriers on earth have it and it's out of necessity bc their network range is roughly 4 feet from the nearest tower I know. Att doesn't HAVE to offer it because for the most part their network is good. I would love to have this feature bc I get crappy cell signal in my apartment... That's on the second floor... So I'm not surprised your device didn't work in the basement. Signals can only breach so many obstacles before it derps.
At this point I'm just hoping they release an update to fix the annoying aux cable issue and we REALLY need some new radios. The ones we have now are asstacular.