[Q] Phone/sim-card (in)compability? Is it possible to lose signal on this issue? - Galaxy S II Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Okay, so - first off, let me give a quick intro: I am really sorry if I post this in the wrong forum. I AM a noob.
I've been a long time reader (and a very happy user of the great knowlegde base and ROM development here on XDA!) and this is my first post. I'm not anywhere near to be a Linux/Android wizard but on the other hand I have gotten S-off and root on my Wildfire S, have tried different ROMS, link2sd, modified GPS files with root explorer etc. That's kind of my level.
-------
So - now to my question. Please be patient with me, it's hard for me to explain in simple terms and english is not my first language. I WILL get down to facts and numbers.
I've decided to move to a more powerful device and I have just bought a Galaxy S II, bought unlocked from my provider. So basicly all I should have had to do when I got my GS2 in the mail was to pop out the SIM card from my Wildfire S and pop it in the GS2 and it *SHOULD* have been working. Problem is - it works 'kinda'. Yes - it works in the worst way - from time to time. I am puzzled!
I get very bad reception and most times NO reception - no signal.
The SIM card does not get rejected by the phone as if the phone was locked, and if I go outside I CAN get a signal, and I CAN make calls. Sometimes I have been cut off. Now I'm not talking about me not just getting data or GPS signal - I'm talking about 2G GSM signal for just making calls and texting. But outside downtown I HAVE had the H+ sign for data appear and I HAVE downloaded from market with the troubled SIM card.
So one would think that the antenna/modem(?) in the SG2 does not work properly. Well - I got me a pre-paid SIM card from the best covered provider in Denmark. I pop the SIM card in - I get a fine signal. Data and GPS works well, calling and texting - no problem!
I have tried 2 other SIM cards from my provider from friends phones - CBB using the Telenor network - and results are the same. Very poor signal, sometimes no signal.
So here's the facts from inside my appartment in a larger city well covered from several providers in Denmark:
- SIM card from my provider in Wildfire S gives me a signal between -80 and -90 dBm and 10 - 15 asu. All functions work, GPS, 3G data, calls, MMS, texting.
- The same SIM card in the GS2 give me at best around -100 dBm and 5 - 6 asu but often drops to -111 dBm and 1 asu. I have seen -113 dBm. Useless.
- SIM card from another large network provider gives me 80 - 95 dBm and 8 - 15 asu.
- I have checked if the phone is locked - it is *NOT* SIM locked.
Remember - this is all in the same place in the same chair in front of the same table. If my provider had a poor signal Wildfire S should be affected as well.
Can my SIM card from my provider somehow be incompatible with the SG2? I have of course called my provider and explained all of this. They had NO clue why it happened but would mail me a new SIM card before doing repairs.
After a factory reset Wildfire S will pop up and ask me what provider I am using after detecting SIM card (select SIM service prompt). SG2 will do the same thing on the pre-paid SIM card - not on the SIM card from my provider. Does this mean anything to any of you?
Is there a way to determine the type of the SIM card in the phone? I would like to know if the two SIM cards are of different types using different technologies - whatever - so I could determine if the SG2 was not compatible with my providers SIM card.
Model: GT-I9100
Android: 2.3.5
Baseband: I9100XXKI4
Kernel: 2.6.35.7-I9100XWKI8-CL616395 [email protected] #2
Build: GINGERBREAD.XWKI8
Country: Denmark
Provider: CBB - using the net of Telenor
If you are still with me this far - thank you very much!

I had a somewhat similar problem that I solved just this morning....
Here in Costa Rica there are now 3 carriers, ICE which is state owned and two private carriers, Movistar and Claro.
I bought my S2 unlocked from a fella that bought it from Claro. The chip I was using was an old GSM chip that I was using in my previous phone. I had data connectivity but it was slow and calls dropped constantly with my chip. I have another phone with a brand new chip and when I would use it all was good. The old chip also had an R on the signal for roaming most of the time, and it always thought it was roaming when I had market enabler programmed to fake at&t so I could get to certain apps.
But this morning I went to my carrier and got a new chip and all is good.
Bottom line, go to your carrier and ask for a new chip. There may be something in the programming not optiized for the phone you have or the current network

Actually, cdzo72 could be right.
Check how old are SIM cards you were using.
Prepaid one should be no older than 1 year, meaning new tech included.
Try to find someone who recently got new contract with same provider U are using (CBB) or at least new/replaced SIM from them.
Few years ago my provider forced me to change SIM card on renewing contract since SIM "is no more fully compatible with new technology in modern mobile phones", whatever that means.

Thank you for your time.
I have a new SIM card waiting for me in the snail mail tomorrow, and I hope that it will work.
My current SIM card is 3 years old, and when I got it, it was on the same occasion as Bodisson - I got a new Nokia, and my old SIM card was not compatible with the new phone.
If this is the case however, I cannot help to think about why my Wildfire S works without any problems at all with the current SIM card. One should think that the two phones use the same technologies.
Oh well - if it doesn't work with a new SIM card the GS2 is in for repairs on monday.
The worst thing is that I have had the phone for 10 days and I feel as I did when I was 8 years old and didn't get a Commodore 64 for christmas! I want to play with my new toy!

Related

3 SIM in SPV

Hi All
Has anybody managed to get a 3 (Three network) SIM to work on an Orange SPV after SIM unlocking.
I would like to be able to use my other phone's SIM in the Hermes.
All advice appreciated.
Thanx in advance
Asif
Hermes - The Mother of All Mobiles
yes, it works fine
(uk)
Can you get full HSDPA speeds though?
My 3 SIM in my TyTn won't let me go above GPRS as its not my primary phone. So I'm paying for a service I can't use. I've spoken to their CS who basically said, no sorry, you've got to use that Nokia we sent you as your phone.
My T-Mobile SIM out of my 3G data card for my laptop works like a charm.
Guess which contract I'll be ripping up next month? Clue: its not the T-Mobile one.
I have put in a 3 PAYG SIM card and it worked, but I didn't test any calls.
What does happen though is the roaming triangle icon appears if you turn off 3G, which I guess is right because it's technically roaming on Orange (although the network name still says '3')
apparently most of the networks are distributing new sim cars for use with their 3g networks, and because of the upgrades, older sim cards wont work with newer services. my 3g service in the us wont work with an older US at&t card, and they had to give me a new one. so give 3 a call and ask them for a new sim card. say yours got broken or something, otherwise they may charge you. but ask first if they will give you one free first. good luck
nstefanelli
I think your problem might be that the 3 hsdpa service you are on is x series. I have asked in their shops about it, because it seems to be the best 3g deal, but they said its only compatible with a few phones made specifically for x series, eg n73. And it cant be used on other phoens because it is a sort of program embedden in the phones, rather then a homepage like vodafone live, which you can just link to.
Hope i have helped, and correct me if im worng
rory

Never had a 3G connection...I think?

Hey all,
Currently using an unbranded HTC Hero on Orange, unsure if I am getting a 3G connection though, icon wise I constantly have a "G" but unsure if it should show "3G" instead, also seen an "E" a couple of times which I assume is Edge but didn't know Orange supported it.
Just wondering if a 3G icon as such actually exists? If so could it be a setting somewhere I haven't got configured correctly?
Thanks
Russ
Could be 2 things.
You have use only 2G networks checked in the settings
OR
You need a new sim, although the phone supports 3G your sim needs to as well. If you are still using an old sim which was from a non 3G mobile then you need a new one. Contact your provider to ask them for a new one (you will keep your number).
how to REALLY find out whether you are connected with 3G? i mean not just looking for that 3G symbol ;-)
barryallott said:
Could be 2 things.
You have use only 2G networks checked in the settings
OR
You need a new sim, although the phone supports 3G your sim needs to as well. If you are still using an old sim which was from a non 3G mobile then you need a new one. Contact your provider to ask them for a new one (you will keep your number).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had to do this a while back, if you have never bought a 3G phone from Orange you probably have a 2G SIM. Call them and they will send you a new one for free.
So I'm right in thinking there should be a 3G icon? I'll get onto them thanks
Well in a very strange turn of events I may actually benefit from this. Having called Orange to ask for a 3G SIM (they confirmed I had 2G) they basically said it wasn't possible to do a straight swap, something about contracts.
After a bit of complaining they have basically come to the conclusion that the only way to help me out is to restart my contract from scratch and send me out a new 3G handset along with the SIM.
So not only will I have my beloved Hero running on 3G I will also have an as yet unspecified 3G handset for sale!
Just waiting for them to call back
And the handset I will be getting...a HTC Touch 3G!
Should fetch a pretty penny
Thats really bull**** why can't they swap your sim card. i had vodafone sim card i lost it and went to vodafone they give me a new sim card directly 5 minuts later it was active. its very weird that they have to give you new contract.
thats ****in crazy! i'd not accept that!
Replacing like for like isn't an issue, it's because I need to "upgrade" the SIM card as such that they have a problem.
Still, works out nicely for me considering I was only 4 months into my contract and have a pretty sweet deal of £15 a month for 200 mins, unlimited txts and 500mb data. So no complaints that I have to restart my contract.

??? New SIM card vs. Old SIM card ???

I noticed that the SIM cards keep changing every so often.
The new SIM cards have a smaller gold-metal surface area, whereas the older ones have a bigger gold-metal surface area.
Any ideas why?
Is there any benefit to swap out your SIM card to the newest? The SIM that comes in the box has a smaller gold-surface area.
(When was using previously using the iphone, my SIM was pretty beat up from switching phones all the time and the gold-metal part practically had indentations, which did give me reception problems. When I swapped it out with a new one at the store it did fix the problem. Obviously a surface contact problem.)
* Picture attached below *
iunlock said:
I noticed that the SIM cards keep changing every so often.
The new SIM cards have a smaller gold-metal surface area, whereas the older ones have a bigger gold-metal surface area.
Any ideas why?
Is there any benefit to swap out your SIM card to the newest? The SIM that comes in the box has a smaller gold-surface area.
(When was using previously using the iphone, my SIM was pretty beat up from switching phones all the time and the gold-metal part practically had indentations, which did give me reception problems. When I swapped it out with a new one at the store it did fix the problem. Obviously a surface contact problem.)
* Picture attached below *
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the pic.
I did have a weird situation where replacing the sim actually somehow increased my data speeds...the old sim was only a year old ...but i ain't complaining
didn't really notice any less surface area tho
newspeak said:
I did have a weird situation where replacing the sim actually somehow increased my data speeds...the old sim was only a year old ...but i ain't complaining
didn't really notice any less surface area tho
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's interesting....hmmm....now I'm really curious haha...
I swapped out my 1 year old SIM as well and now im getting 3G signals in my house whereas my old sim would drop 3G service more often.
Idk I change sim cards for all my phones since g1 since there's nothing on it ever since using google contacts
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
There is typically no need to replace your sim card unless you are having problems with it (ie not registering on the network.)
However older sim cards have a restriction on how many times they can register on the network, and after they hit the limit the phone will stop connecting, so if you want to prevent this issue (usually takes a couple years, and is a lot more likely in areas where your signal drops, for people who travel a lot, and in 3G coverages areas where you swap back and forth between 3G and 2G) you can use one of the newer sim cards. To Identify whether your sim is the newer variant with no registration restriction look at the back where the gold contacts are, if its a newer sim it will say in small lettering "TMXXXX" (where X is a number, ie TM4322) and it will also have an expiration date printed (it must be activated by this date or it becomes unusable.)
In terms of 2G/3G the sim card itself and its age should not make a difference as the capability to connect to those networks is dependent on the phone, not the sim. You can think of a sim card as a gateway that connects your phone to the billing system and authenticates it.
Having had said that, if you are having connection issues it could just be a defective sim card, to check, just place the sim in a phone that isn't having any connectivity problems, if it starts having problems, replace your sim.
In terms of the digit you highlighted in that picture, I believe it has to do with the manufacture year, although if I remember correctly its digits 4 and 5 that make up that information, but otherwise isn't anything important to a consumer.
well i got curious and checked ....i have the bigger sim ...i don't think the numbers matter much
Aphotix said:
There is typically no need to replace your sim card unless you are having problems with it (ie not registering on the network.)
However older sim cards have a restriction on how many times they can register on the network, and after they hit the limit the phone will stop connecting, so if you want to prevent this issue (usually takes a couple years, and is a lot more likely in areas where your signal drops, for people who travel a lot, and in 3G coverages areas where you swap back and forth between 3G and 2G) you can use one of the newer sim cards. To Identify whether your sim is the newer variant with no registration restriction look at the back where the gold contacts are, if its a newer sim it will say in small lettering "TMXXXX" (where X is a number, ie TM4322) and it will also have an expiration date printed (it must be activated by this date or it becomes unusable.)
In terms of 2G/3G the sim card itself and its age should not make a difference as the capability to connect to those networks is dependent on the phone, not the sim. You can think of a sim card as a gateway that connects your phone to the billing system and authenticates it.
Having had said that, if you are having connection issues it could just be a defective sim card, to check, just place the sim in a phone that isn't having any connectivity problems, if it starts having problems, replace your sim.
In terms of the digit you highlighted in that picture, I believe it has to do with the manufacture year, although if I remember correctly its digits 4 and 5 that make up that information, but otherwise isn't anything important to a consumer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your input.
As for the exp. date, where is that located. I don't see it.
Aphotix said:
In terms of 2G/3G the sim card itself and its age should not make a difference as the capability to connect to those networks is dependent on the phone, not the sim. You can think of a sim card as a gateway that connects your phone to the billing system and authenticates it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought...until a lot of people started noticing better 3g connection/speeds with the new sim cards. Just a placebo effect perhaps?
The size difference could also be for users who want to make it a micro sim so they can put it in their unlocked iPhones. I don't have either of these sim cards to compare, so I'm not sure.
hmm.. the sim im using is almost 8 years old. its been moved from phone to phone so many times there are wear marks on the contacts. still works fine though.
When I first got my g1 a few years ago I had issues with the market. There were apps that I knew were available (private apps) but I could not download them. I went to a T-Mobile store and looked at the display phones. One of them was able to see private apps, the other like mine, could not. I talked it over with the rep and we decided to replace the sim card. It was a random, no other ideas, decision. Started the G1 back up and Market was now working as expected. There were no other benefits noticed. Since then, I tend to replace the sim anytime a new phone is purchased.
Your milage may vary.
-Ryan
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
When I got my Vibrant, coming from the g1, tmo wanted to just pop it in the Vibrant. I made them put in the new sim card just to be safe, figured the one that came in the box brand new SHOULD be better.
iunlock said:
Thanks for your input.
As for the exp. date, where is that located. I don't see it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its only on the newer ones, the old ones don't expire, they just stop working after a set number of registrations on the network.
In regards to sim issues, they really shouldn't have any impact at all. Changing a sim card refreshes the billing information in the system (like what kind of services your phone is supposed to have and what not) customer care can do this without the need for a new sim.
Hoenstly though, sometimes a sim replacement is needed, I've seen stranger things.
s15274n said:
When I got my Vibrant, coming from the g1, tmo wanted to just pop it in the Vibrant. I made them put in the new sim card just to be safe, figured the one that came in the box brand new SHOULD be better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I bought my phone out right, the rep opened the box and took out the SIM then sold me the phone.
I guess it doesn't matter since swapping out your SIM at the T-Mobile corporate stores is free.
I just tried this since there is a tmobile store across from where I work. I used SpeedTest app and ran it 3 times before the swap. Average was about 2500 kbps download and 300 up. I swapped the sim out, went back to the spot where I originally tested and ran three more times and got about the same rate with the new sim. My old one was about 3 yo from when I had my Dash.
MonkySlap said:
I just tried this since there is a tmobile store across from where I work. I used SpeedTest app and ran it 3 times before the swap. Average was about 2500 kbps download and 300 up. I swapped the sim out, went back to the spot where I originally tested and ran three more times and got about the same rate with the new sim. My old one was about 3 yo from when I had my Dash.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm thinking the only time one would see a difference is if they are having poor contact surface from the SIM wearing out. I've seen ooolld SIM's where the metal had indentations like no other.
Just read the thread and said why not had the same sim card since I first signed up with tmobile 5 years ago.
When I talked with the rep on the phone and explained this to him and asked could this help he stated that the official tmobile policy is if the old sim card works no need to switch. However, because of the technical specs on the card could cause better reception, they just can't guarantee it, they only guarantee it will not get worse. He asked if I was having issues and I said no i'm just a nerd and wanted to know if it would help. Just swapped it out going to give it a test around the house and will report back.
Back Story:
Upgraded from G1, perfect 3G everywhere in chicago, couldn't even get it to drop from 3G no matter where I went. With the Vibrant and and old sim card, constantly dropped to 2G no big deal still was speedy
New Sim Card:
will report after testing
Old Sim Card
My connection constantly jumped from 2G to 3G all over my house constantly
New Sim Card
Solid 3G all through the house, will report back after tomorrow when I travel all over chicago

[Q] Unlocked Aria Getting Error with T-Mobile SIM.

I recently decided I loved my Aria so much I was going to purchase the unlock code so I could use it on a prepaid service (I no longer use at&t).
I am ROOTed, and am running the Liberty Sense 2.2.2 ROM.
After I inserted my T-mobile pre-paid SIM and got the message "enter SIM unlock code" I did as instructed. It said it was accepted and My phone booted without that annoying please insert sim message. Yay right? Nope it can't connect to the mobile network. After doing a little googling and hunting around I found that the phone has to be compatible with the GSM frequency that the company your planning on using has.
Well this is what my device supports:
HSPA/WCDMA:
900/2100MHz
Up to 2 Mbps upload and 7.2 Mbps download speeds
GSM:
850/900/1800/1900MHz
(Band frequency, HSPA availability, and data speed are operator dependent.)
Which is apparently compatible with T-mobile. Well whenever I try and connect it says it fails and gives me and error message:
"SIM card not provisioned MM2"
After doing some google searches on that I found that it may mean you need to replace your sim etc. I've tried 2 different T-mobile SIMS and they both failed. Yet they both work in the T-mobile phones.
If anyone knows a work around to get me past this crap I would GREATLY appreciate it. It's been turned into an all day project and I'm nearing a tired and disappointing end.
Also info that may help:
-Neither of the SIMS currently have minutes on them but are both still activated under the owners names and display signals on the T-mobile devices.
- My HTC aria IS unlocked and IS rooted/loaded with a custom rom
-I can locate the 2 networks available in my region when I click on search for networks in my "wireless/network settings"
If you need anymore info to help answer the question please let me know and I will provide it as soon as I am able.
The phone is fine. It may be because you don't have minutes on the plan, or because the SIM card is too old or something. I'd suggest going into a T-Mobile store and getting it squared away.
Yes after several hours of hunting I was able to find someone who had the same problem. Apparently whether the SIM gets signal or not from the device it came from it will give you an error on the device you put it in until the SIM has actual minutes on it. The guy had said on his post he tried around 3 different cards and all had the same effect.
Sorry for the double post just wanted to update.
The reason I wasn't able to get signal on the phone was because the T-mobile sim card I was using was an un-paid Flex Pay SIM card with T-mobile. The actual prepaid SIM (which im using now) gets a signal even when there aren't minutes on the device so you can add funds to your account through the mobile phone.

Roaming with Carrier Unlock and Local SIM?

I just flew in to Spain for study abroad here for the next 4 months and wanted to take my ATT Atrix along for the ride. So I called ATT, got the unlock code from them, and after much difficulty and having to flash a Brazil Radio to negate the maximum number of tries limit, I got it carrier unlocked. The SIM I am using now is a prepaid Yoigo card (funny name, i know). I also reflashed the .36P radio.
The weird thing is that Onavo Count still says I am roaming, even though I have a local SIM in Barcelona. Is this an issue with Onavo Count? Or is the phone really still thinking it's roaming? Is it the radio? After every reboot, the phone makes me enter the SIM Pin. Is that an issue with the sim card and the phone getting along, or just the standard SIM security feature doing it's job.
Im running cm7 rc1 with the .36P radio.
Thanks in advance.

Categories

Resources