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[Q] Cell reception question

Can anyone tell me if the reception is any better on any of the custom roms out there. I am about to return my second phone so I dont want to go flashing a bunch of new roms just to take them off in a day or two. Im asking because if the reception is not any better I may have to get a different phone because I have no reception at all in my home area. Any advise??

bls2633 said:
Can anyone tell me if the reception is any better on any of the custom roms out there. I am about to return my second phone so I dont want to go flashing a bunch of new roms just to take them off in a day or two. Im asking because if the reception is not any better I may have to get a different phone because I have no reception at all in my home area. Any advise??
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I don't get great reception either. Better than my vibrant but worse than my g1.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

Turning on wcdma only helps.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

bad phones
my first g2x had poor connection so bad i thought it was tmobile as i was coming from verizon. so i returned the phone. i dont have landbased internbet where i am living but the coverage map showed great 4g infact i can see the tower like 200 feet from my place. so i decided to try out the tmobile 4g hotspot figuring it wouldnt work well it did. so i went and got another g2x and this one has great signal and connection. so there are phones out there that have bad connection, so if you are getting this and you know another tmobile phone or device is working return it.

Awww this is a disappointing thread to find. I was hoping it would be a software problem thats easily fixable.
I get constant time outs on mine when browsing no matter where I am. Sometimes it will time out on a speed test 5 times in a row, them get 5Mb down and then time out 4 more times and then get 5Mb again. Its killing me. Worst thing is I bought it 2nd hand so I'm sure T-mobile will make me mail it to Samsung
edit: My reception is about -101 dBa on avg.

Was having the same problems. I call customer service and they informed me that my sim card was old and to go to the T-Mobile store and get a new one. I did and now works a lot better. They told me that there towers don't recognize older sim cards as 4g so they get spotty 4g coverage.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App

daved152 said:
Was having the same problems. I call customer service and they informed me that my sim card was old and to go to the T-Mobile store and get a new one. I did and now works a lot better. They told me that there towers don't recognize older sim cards as 4g so they get spotty 4g coverage.
Sent from my LG-P999 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My SIM card is less than a year old, but this is definitely worth a shot.
Thx!

How to bypass/ignore a nearby ATT microcell?

I currently have an ATT Infuse running gingerbread infused 2.1 that gets near perfect 4g reception in my house. However, for whatever reason my downstairs ATT 3g microcell gives me 1-2 bars and blocks me from getting that 4g reception.
This problem has a been a real pain in the rear for me. My text messages never send the first try, pic txts r very unreliable, and calls tale forever to dial.
My parents refuse to get rid of this microcell because their iphones can't see the 4g reception nearby (ya and they dare to even call them iphone 4s, nice marketing technique apple) so I cannot turn this box off.
I've also noticed that only my family plan gets to see the microcell, I was wondering how to go about turning this thing on and off (for this phone only) without disrupting my parents' 3g experience.
Any help would be appreciated.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium

Sounds like a family issue not an xda or at&t one. May I suggest move out?
:edit: On a serious note at&t 3g and 4g use the exact same towers and bands so I don't see how what you are saying is possible.

Wrong, in several cases did neither of my family's iphone 4s have any reception when my infuse had full 4g, learn more before you insult my intelligence again.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium

Let me repeat
BenKranged said:
at&t 3g and 4g use the exact same towers and bands
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Click to collapse
Maybe they got the microcell because they are holding the iphones wrong?
Notice how no one else has even replyed. I assume this is because your post makes no sense.

This is an easy fix buddy, The Mcell only works for phone that you add the number to authorized devices on the att.com website. Simply have your parents remove your number and you will no longer be able to access the mcell.

WiredPirate said:
This is an easy fix buddy, The Mcell only works for phone that you add the number to authorized devices on the att.com website. Simply have your parents remove your number and you will no longer be able to access the mcell.
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Click to collapse
Thanks man. Confirmed works.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I997 using xda premium

Since when did they put out a 4g iPhone?
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

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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Click to collapse
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?
Click to expand...
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.
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FatalityBoyZahy said:
I'd love to get this, but I'm not really trying to extend my contract with T-Mobile.
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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 $500.00 and no contract. LOL
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kwes1020 said:
I got rid of my contracts and switched to the walmart prepaid version of tmobile (family mobile). 55$ 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
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

What is the best radio for a frustrated ATT CUSTOMER

I have try the original that came with the phone. Ucle2. Uclf6. And none seem to work in the basement i guess is not equipment or software it must be coverage.
I get frustrated when I see coworkers using their Verizon phone without any problem
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I believe I saw a map once of which radios work best in which areas. Can anyone help me out on a link?

I believe I read somewhere that Verizon frequencies are better at solid object penatration.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

att might just have bad reception in your basement. if it's a problem for you get a microcell http://www.att.com/standalone/3gmicrocell/. some times if you call and complain about reception in your home they will discount the cost of one.

I had to buy my micro cell. It works dam good. Couldn't get signal where I lived it gave me 5 full bars. If you leave att or don't have an account it wont work. If your looking for one I'm selling mine. Went prepaid and don't have att account. Pm me for details
Sent from the dark side of CM9 on my skyrocket.

That microcell looks very promising, my mom gets very poor service in her home, and though I couldn't find what it costs, she said she would drop her home phone if she got better home coverage, so it should negate whatever it does cost.
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Cell repeater
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edgex said:
That microcell looks very promising, my mom gets very poor service in her home, and though I couldn't find what it costs, she said she would drop her home phone if she got better home coverage, so it should negate whatever it does cost.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I got mine it was $200
Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk 2

Was only 150 when I bought mine. Att gave me a mail in rebate for the full amount. Lucky me eh.
Sent from the dark side of CM9 on my skyrocket.

One thing to keep in mind with repeaters/cell boosters though is that your signal will only be as good as what the booster is getting despite what your phone shows. For example if your Booster has a -95 dBm signal at the roof then even if your phone shows -68 dBm while at the other end you are still just getting the -95dBm so your 5 bars is just your signal to the booster not the actual cell network

MicroCell
I was really lucky. I got a letter from AT&T to come on down and pick one up, all I had to do was keep my cell contact for 12 months, I had just signed a new one for 2 years anyways.
Went from 1-2 bars to 4-5 on my SR and my wifes Apple 3gs.
IF you can get one do. But keep in mind that the way it works is that you have to set it up with and get a GPS signal. Then it will use your internet connect to make and receive calls while your phone is on the MicroCell. I have never really seen any issues either with my call performance or internet speeds while on the phone.

T.J. Bender said:
I believe I saw a map once of which radios work best in which areas. Can anyone help me out on a link?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure it was on cyanogenmod website
Sent from my SGS 2 LTE running SkyICS

[Q] Nexus 5 on AT&T - not going to LTE

Earlier this week, I went to AT&T to get a new micro sim for my Nexus 5. It works fine on HSPA+. However, I never see it go to LTE. Using the speedtest app, my d/l speeds max out at 2.5Mbps.
I am in an LTE coverage area. I stood right next to a couple of my co-workers with a Moto X and iphone 5. Both of their phones say LTE.
I called 611 (AT&T customer service) to make sure I had LTE coverage. According to their system, both my phone and plan say LTE.
Am I missing anything? Do I need to do anything (play with any settings) to make LTE go on?
Help...

Is it set to LTE and CDMA/GSM?

LTE is selected

Interesting I'm getting mine today and will be using AT&T I'll let you know if I have the same problem

Very weak LTE for me too. I'm a little disappointed in that, but I'm getting 5-8Mbps down with HSPA+

My LTE works fine on AT&T, I've ran some tests and seen 30Mbps

is your account provisioned for LTE?

htcvividnoob said:
My LTE works fine on AT&T, I've ran some tests and seen 30Mbps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

I'm getting LTE with no problem. I'm getting about 20 down and 12 up. The only so far I don't like is the speaker volume. It may be YouTube, but it's horrible.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app

mine is correctly provisioned, and i do see LTE, but it's very weak for me where friends with a Moto X and iPhone 5 see full LTE coverage.

My Nexus 4 on T-Mobile would stay on LTE all day, but my Nexus 5 gets off LTE and goes back to HSPA+ when it drops to 2 bars or less. I am very aggravated. I can get it on LTE if I show it that there is LTE around by going to the secret dialer menu and enabling LTE only, but it is like it doesn't want to get on LTE unless it is 4-5 bars.
I need to see how my wife's Nexus 5 operates and I may end up RMAing mine.

I have yet to see my Nexus 5 on LTE (AT&T), i'm coming from an HTC One and that has connected to LTE without issues, not sure what the issue is, if AT&T is blocking it because its an 'unknown device' or what, has anybody discovered anything new on this?

cbcharlie said:
I have yet to see my Nexus 5 on LTE (AT&T), i'm coming from an HTC One and that has connected to LTE without issues, not sure what the issue is, if AT&T is blocking it because its an 'unknown device' or what, has anybody discovered anything new on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works great on AT&T's LTE network on the n5, SIM originally from a Lumia 920 also LTE.

No problem here with SIM out of S3. I did notice that he automatically changed my APN's. It only pulled ATT Phone and ATT WAP. Its set to Phone. I am roughly same speed as s3

Showme1 said:
No problem here with SIM out of S3. I did notice that he automatically changed my APN's. It only pulled ATT Phone and ATT WAP. Its set to Phone. I am roughly same speed as s3
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using a new micro sim since I was previously using a galaxy nexus. I'm thinking that it might be an apn setting issue. If there any way you (or someone else) could list their apn settings? A screenshot would be great.. Thanks in advance.

Works fine for me using the stock APN

I walked in my AT&T store, handed my Nexus 5 still in the box to a tech, she unboxed it, put in a sim booted it up, download SpeedTest app and with a LTE tower right next to the store these were the numbers I got.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Artexman said:
I walked in my AT&T store, handed my Nexus 5 still in the box to a tech, she unboxed it, put in a sim booted it up, download SpeedTest app and with a LTE tower right next to the store these were the numbers I got.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exactly the same experience. walked in today with my N5, handed it to the tech, transferred my # (coming from VZW), activated a new sim, put it in and off i went into LTE land. no issues at all

I've had the same issue since I got my Nexus 5 last Monday. Went to store, she put in LTE sim. Mine only show H. That's it just "H". Called at&t several times. They tried different settings on the phone. Suppose to send me another sims card in the mail. Also, said they "escalated" my case to a specialist. I should have it resolved by Nov. 11th.

I just simply pop in my sim from my s4
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