GPRS on 3 UK - Galaxy S III Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Hi all,
I have just switched to 3 in the UK and have noticed that there appears to be no data when the phone rolls back to 2G (out of 3G/HSPDA coverage) so I get no GPRS.
Is this right?
I am aware that 3 uses Orange for voice and calls when out of there own coverage areas, but should I not be getting GPRS on Orange?
Thanks.

Yep three are 3g or 3g+ only
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

Oh dear..
Thanks for your reply.
Is there any solution to get GPRS while on Oranges 2G network?

gavin watson said:
Oh dear..
Thanks for your reply.
Is there any solution to get GPRS while on Oranges 2G network?
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nope!!!!

Oh dear, dear!
This isn't good news for me! Slow connectivity is better than no connectivity!
Hmmm, seems like I am not 'On the network for built for the internet' if I get NO internet!

to be fair, i rarely find myself in an area of no signal, but when I am, 3's internet speeds are outrageously fast.
well worth it

It's ok in 97% if the UK when it's good it's very good but when it's bad it's bloody awful
I went to Scotland a week and found the 3% of the country without coverage it killed me no.internet or phone for that matter
In defense of 3 they are superb value where else could you get 2000 mins 5000 text 5000 3 to 3 minutes and unlimited internet for £36
I.use around 7gb per month via my phone and tethering
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

Hi guys,
I'm not denying when there is 3G (and above) coverage it is very good. I was just shocked to learn that there is no GPRS backup, for me I'd rather have very slow data than none at all... It would appear from what I've found out that they don't want the users to have 'a bad customer experience' when on GPRS thinking that it's a slow network... Not sure I agree with that, especially when you desperately need data, even it is it GPRS...
I would really like them giving users the option to fallback onto GPRS by maybe manually entering APN settings, this way at least having a choice (knowing that it is GPRS and not their own 3G network)...
Interesting...

mancuk29 said:
It's ok in 97% if the UK when it's good it's very good but when it's bad it's bloody awful
I went to Scotland a week and found the 3% of the country without coverage it killed me no.internet or phone for that matter
In defense of 3 they are superb value where else could you get 2000 mins 5000 text 5000 3 to 3 minutes and unlimited internet for £36
I.use around 7gb per month via my phone and tethering
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
exactly i couldnt put it better myself

mancuk29 said:
It's ok in 97% if the UK when it's good it's very good but when it's bad it's bloody awful
I went to Scotland a week and found the 3% of the country without coverage it killed me no.internet or phone for that matter
In defense of 3 they are superb value where else could you get 2000 mins 5000 text 5000 3 to 3 minutes and unlimited internet for £36
I.use around 7gb per month via my phone and tethering
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
I agree with you 100% I went with three's one plan for the data, this month I have used 8.7GB from the 14th yes their signal can be sketchy at times but if I had a 1GB plan I would have clocked up hundreds on my bill so its bearable for me.
When I say their signal is sketchy I get a full signal on my window ledge but on the sofa under the window I get 1 or 2 bars literally less than one foot distance.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

I'm not complaining about the price or the allowance, nor about their network speed. I was just saying it would be nice to have the option to fallback to GPRS data when 3G isn't available. I had no diea this would happen when I signed up 5 days ago, and it is a problem for me to not have that...
So far I am happy enough with the speed and the allowance, etc... Which is why I moved over to 3 in the first place...

If you are in a marginal signal area, you may have a reasonable signal outside your property, but because 2100mhz signal doesn't penetrate walls well, it may not get inside your house. Walk around the outside perimitter of you property, checking the signal strength as you move - if there is a good signal, then there are solutions for getting that signal inside using 2100mhz signal boosters, their use seems to be a legal grey area - but no one has been prosecuted for using them in the uk as I understand to-date. I too have no signal in 80% of the inside of my house yet am very close to a 3uk mast, but I live in a building with 2ft thick walls. I have just installed a signal repeater and, although I am still playing about with the siting of the antenna and booster, it has deffinately made a difference.
If you have only just taken out your contract with 3uk - you may be able to get out of it if you wish - they are obliged to check that there is an available signal at your registered address and should have refused your application if not. Hope this helps

gavin watson said:
I'm not complaining about the price or the allowance, nor about their network speed. I was just saying it would be nice to have the option to fallback to GPRS data when 3G isn't available. I had no diea this would happen when I signed up 5 days ago, and it is a problem for me to not have that...
So far I am happy enough with the speed and the allowance, etc... Which is why I moved over to 3 in the first place...
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Click to collapse
Three only use 3g I would when I first signed up to them I did ask about 3g coverage and they said they only use 3g, ask the right questions and you would have known, if it's only been 5 days you should be able to cancel if you want (I think three say 14 days and get another contract, but I personally wouldn't I'm happy with them because of the unlimited data.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

gavin watson said:
Hi guys,
I'm not denying when there is 3G (and above) coverage it is very good. I was just shocked to learn that there is no GPRS backup, for me I'd rather have very slow data than none at all... It would appear from what I've found out that they don't want the users to have 'a bad customer experience' when on GPRS thinking that it's a slow network... Not sure I agree with that, especially when you desperately need data, even it is it GPRS...
I would really like them giving users the option to fallback onto GPRS by maybe manually entering APN settings, this way at least having a choice (knowing that it is GPRS and not their own 3G network)...
Interesting...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i wouldnt get too attached. 2G will be turned off and reassigned for new spectrum auctions in the very near future. i have been on 3 for 2 years and i have never not had 3G for long.
GPRS cant cope with normal web anyway. it was designed for WAP. its not a big loss trust me. At least you can still make calls.

delsus said:
ask the right questions and you would have known, if it's only been 5 days you should be able to cancel if you want (I think three say 14 days and get another contract, but I personally wouldn't I'm happy with them because of the unlimited data.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
I did ask, they told me that when out of their coervage it reverted to Orange, which I was on before. What they didn't say was that when it reverted to Orange, it wouldn't include data. I'm not saying they lied, they were however, a little economical with the truth!
I have spoken with them, they are allowing me a little more time (over 7 days) to see how it all works out. As I travel quite a bit I will have to see how much this affects me. I think I will end up staying as it makes more sense for me to have unlimited data than pay Orange quite a bit over my monthly plan for the extra data used...

gavin watson said:
I did ask, they told me that when out of their coervage it reverted to Orange, which I was on before. What they didn't say was that when it reverted to Orange, it wouldn't include data. I'm not saying they lied, they were however, a little economical with the truth!
I have spoken with them, they are allowing me a little more time (over 7 days) to see how it all works out. As I travel quite a bit I will have to see how much this affects me. I think I will end up staying as it makes more sense for me to have unlimited data than pay Orange quite a bit over my monthly plan for the extra data used...
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Click to collapse
Ahh I would recommend staying, while three have a lot of drawbacks the well priced unlimited data makes it worth it imo up to now on a 1GB plan I would have an extra £700+ on my bill and I still have 13 days on this billing cycle. Anything other than unlimited data is unacceptable now in my eyes.
The only other option for unlimited data is t-mobile but it will cost more (I think £40+ with the phone)
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

Three has been 3G only for quote a few years now, when they first launched they used to use Orange or O2 for 2G fallback but they didn't renew these agreements as their own 3G coverage was deemed strong enough.
It would not have taken much research to find out they have no 2G coverage, also if you just asked someone before taking the contract out...did the name Three not give you any indication?

the only thing going for three is the 'cheaper' priced tarrifs, much faster 3G network and no fair usage, apart from that their offers are on parr with other special offers on other networks.
The lack of 2g is a bit of an issue if you are in a no coverage area, however if you do have coverage your fine.

A|ex said:
the only thing going for three is the 'cheaper' priced tarrifs, much faster 3G network and no fair usage, apart from that their offers are on parr with other special offers on other networks.
The lack of 2g is a bit of an issue if you are in a no coverage area, however if you do have coverage your fine.
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Click to collapse
And that's what matters these days, data costs a lot more than voice and texts, you can rack up a larger bill in a shorter time with data than with anything else, also in the world of data speed matters a lot. Lets not forget the economy I get 5000 texts, 2000 mins and unlimited data for £34/month nothing beats that with a galaxy S3 and lets not forget the £700+ on my bill for data I have saved with 3, I don't think it's possible to do that with voice and texts.
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

I went through hell to get a 3 contract cancelled and a MIFI portable broadband dongle contract scrapped because I couldn't get a 3G signal. They dropped 2G in places they deem to be "good coverage" and are turning more and more of their back up network (Orange) off.
They are the worst provider by far. Now with T-Mobile and I get T-Mo and Orange coverage since the merger. Can switch as I please.
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Related

[Q] whats the best Uk network for S2?

As the Thread title suggests, i would like to know what the best UK network for the S2 is? I have an order on hold with orange at the moment for £35p/m
after screening the forums a little bit it seems that orange isnt the best network provider to go with, because although coverage is great, their network speeds are rubbish...what would you guys recommend in terms of best network provider for this phone?
ps bear in mind i am in the london and braintree areas quite a lot
the million pound question??. Am O2 I think internet speed rubbish I have never seen 3g icon on my screen lol
as far as i have been able to read, vodaphone seem to utilize the s2's networking capabilities best,
reading on the general section, i found this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=14400787&postcount=30
in the thread "SGS2 now available on orange UK"
which made me wonder - three mobile seem to have good deals for cheapness....£26pm gets you a free phone, 1gb data, unlim texts etc, so i would go for them, however the network speed is something i have recently been coveting....anyone had any speedtests done while on three?
Well my contract with orange UK (that you wont be able to match as I am a special customer....very long story...) is
Dolphin 35 + 1gb extra data for £20 a month 18 month contract with a free SGS2
Just waiting for the SGS2 to be ordered as they screwed up!!!!
Lennyuk said:
Well my contract with orange UK (that you wont be able to match as I am a special customer....very long story...) is
Dolphin 35 + 1gb extra data for £20 a month 18 month contract with a free SGS2
Just waiting for the SGS2 to be ordered as they screwed up!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im jealous i must admit, but what about networking speeds? or do you cope just fine with the speeds as they are? this phone is capable of loading faster than most home broadbands if i believe what iv been told...i cant tell what speeds i have as my hd2 wont connect to the internet - hardware issue :/
Lennyuk said:
Well my contract with orange UK (that you wont be able to match as I am a special customer....very long story...) is
Dolphin 35 + 1gb extra data for £20 a month 18 month contract with a free SGS2
Just waiting for the SGS2 to be ordered as they screwed up!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thpefial? (Sorry - couldn't resist...)
Best network is relative to signal strength in the areas of phone use for each network .
Data its always said that 3 are best for data true not a clue .
http://selfhelp.carphonewarehouse.com/SelfHelp/request.do?view%28%29=c{179c7460-e8a9-11de-da00-000000000000}
jje
Three are the only network that offer truly unlimited data on the one plan with a free phone for £40 I think. I've seen my mate's speedtest with a Desire HD consistently hitting 9+ mb the past month as they've activated the HSPA+ network. Three's signal is crap indoors though, due to the part of the spectrum they use not penetrating buildings well (so I'm told).
I'm on O2 (central London), I'm guaranteed H or H+ signals, consistently above 3 mbps.
Well, if you care about heavy duty data usage, go with 3 (So long as you're in an area with decent signal - it gets a bit ropy up north).
I'm with 3UK, purely for the genuinely unlimited data (although I've been with them for years and always went over the 1gb limit without charge before), in London their speeds are great, usually have a ping under 100, down of 3-5 in perfect conditions, up of 1-1.5 (via the SpeedTest app)
I will say in the area i live (oxfordshie) 3 is exelent,i get hsdpa just about every where. I get 5700 on speed test app at work-on vodafone and orange i get 20
three mobile it is then i will go to the three store and pick it up (because i cannot wait for it to be delivered lol) once i get my new bank card and PIN code through
Yup, I'm on Three also and whilst their results vary (I get anywhere from 0.11 to 5.14Mbps Download speed here in Cumbria!) the main selling point for me is truly unlimited data on the One Plan with tethering allowed! There may be others offering true unlimited data (talkmobile? Giff Gaff?) but I don't think others allow tethering... I should note they acknowledge that they throttle their data at peek times (6pm to midnight) but I'd be surprised if other networks don't do the same, and my data speeds are generally fine.
I'm on 3 and its crap indoors. Do get 3g a lot. I buy the fone instead of contract because u pay for another fone as the contracts are like 2 year plans. Im on a SIM contract for 15 quid and get 600mins 1 gb internet 3000texts which is good but hate the signal
I was with three but dropped them because of awful building penetration, their signal is just rubbish indoors which was no good to me at work when my phone spent all day trying to cling onto a scrap of signal. I could receive texts at my desk but if I moved the phone or tryed a voice call it would drop signal altogether.
Moved to Orange, very happy now. Speeds aren't as fast as Three for data but come on, what are you doing running torrents off your phone or something?
ADSrox0r said:
come on, what are you doing running torrents off your phone or something?
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Click to collapse
Pretty much, yeah. Long commute, if someone tells me about a good film at work.. Piracy is a way of life

Weak signal. What to do?

In my home I get horrible 3g speeds. So bad I have to use wifi. Where I work (outside) I get terrible service and bad 3g speeds. I called Sprint about this issue and was told that area has good (not great) but good coverage. They told me to bring the phone in to have it looked at. I know its not the phone because this was the same with my Hero. I just want to know what my options are. I honestly feel like they should put a discount on my bill or give me unlimited roaming. This is a very bad problem. I drop calls like its going out of style and 3g isnt even an option. As for 4g, nothing at all. This has been going on for a while and Im really getting fed up. Any ideas?
We are all in the same boat.
As soon as we get a radio update.
Pardon my ignorance because I'm not sure how it works or what hardware you need, but the Sprint Airave signal booster is supposed to work great. A friend of mine works at Sprint and was telling me that evidently it plugs into your wireless router??? and goes for around $100 bucks but he swears that he's getting full bars throughout his entire house including the basement. Might at least help while at home...
Technically we all have free roaming. We roam for free on Verizon's network so in theory, you should never drop a call if you have either Sprint or Verizon service where you are. I know it worked that way for me on the Evo 4G and once I turned off all the roaming guard crap on the 3vo, it seems about as good as my old Evo 4G. So have you gone into Settings, Wireless, Mobile Network, and turned off the roaming notification sound and made sure you turn OFF all roaming guards?
Edit: BTW my neighbor has the Airave and it does give him 4 to 5 bars throughout his single-level 2850 sq/ft house. No problem keeping a call over there!
Mike
i have the airave and it does work great, call sprint complain about the service and they should give you one for free
ubcwigwam said:
and goes for around $100 bucks
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This one? Its $50 at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Sprint-Airave/dp/B0035TLZ3O
Called Sprint about this and the guy said Sprint charges a $36 activation fee for this type of unit. Also supposedly it does use your minutes on your plan, and you can pay an additional $10 a month to get unlimited minutes while connected to the Airave
EVOLICIOUS said:
i have the airave and it does work great, call sprint complain about the service and they should give you one for free
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Click to collapse
I've heard of a bunch of people getting free airaves for having poor signal at home. Is it true that it only works for voice, though, not 3g? I can make and receive calls ok, but the 3g and 4g signals at my house are awful. And they have been for over a year. They were bad on my OG Evo. I just would like to be able to surf the net on my phone. Or, even, tether occasionally, if we loose power to the main network. Thanks.
EniGmA1987 said:
This one? Its $50 at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Sprint-Airave/dp/B0035TLZ3O
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Click to collapse
i have had the airave since it was in existance. i was actually a tester for them before they went public. the one you linked it the old model 1X. the one you want is http://www.cnet.com/8301-17918_1-20014429-85.html
it is 3G capable. all and all a way better unit. if you call up explain your situation. for me what actually got me one many yrs ago was basically the truth. told them i am in a on cal field. i need my cell to ring when i am called no tgo to voicemail. if they could not provide me a way to fix it. i simply was going elsewhere. then i was offered to test a new device. ended up being the first airave. back then device was free and 4.99 a month which i was credited every month so was essentially free to me. now on the new one it is actually free per month 0 dollars. as long as you qualify.
its sprinnnnnt
Its definitely Sprint.. my company works with Sprint, and although they havn't said it was their problem, they are asking for all reports in our buildings of radio errors (network failure, data failure, can't make calls, text's come in with timestamp 4-5 minutes before the time they came in).
I personally thought it was the 3D, b/c I had a OG the day before and everything was fine, then I get to work and can't make calls with full signal. We have the sprint antanae's throughout our building, so something is up. It seems to only effect me at work though -- which is pleasantly located beneath the jet base flight path.
smarcin said:
I've heard of a bunch of people getting free airaves for having poor signal at home. Is it true that it only works for voice, though, not 3g? I can make and receive calls ok, but the 3g and 4g signals at my house are awful. And they have been for over a year. They were bad on my OG Evo. I just would like to be able to surf the net on my phone. Or, even, tether occasionally, if we loose power to the main network. Thanks.
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Click to collapse
If you get the Airvana which is the second version of the Airave, you will get 3G as well. I've had it ever since I had my first EVO. I'm in a great coverage area but for some reason, I don't get any signal in my apartment or about a 1/2 block in either direction from my apartment.
The Airave works great. Whether or not you can get one free (normally $99 + $5 per month) depends on your situation and if you convince them its the right thing to do. I had to talk to 4 supervisors and a manager before they agreed to give it to me for free.
I got an Airave for free, just dialed 611 and talked to a rep, said I had to stand by a window or go outside to avoid dropping calls. Didn't have a problem getting one, the rep agreed that would solve the issue. Works wonders in the house.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
spencer88 said:
I got an Airave for free, just dialed 611 and talked to a rep, said I had to stand by a window or go outside to avoid dropping calls. Didn't have a problem getting one, the rep agreed that would solve the issue. Works wonders in the house.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Kinda sad that you need a airave or to go outside just to make a phone call. Did you tell sprint its 2011 ?
1. Yes there's a huge issue in terms of 3G speeds that have been going on since the Evo came out. There are more users on their network but they haven't expanded it. I took the issue so far that I was talking to people "From the Office of Dan Hesse" (Yes, I'm serious. I still have the voicemails and emails). It took them a while to go from "It might be your phone" to "OK, it's probably not your phone" to "The network in your area is crowded" to "Ok the network is overloaded everywhere". They promised me it would be fixed by May (this was going on since this past January). I used to get 1.5 Mbps 3G speeds and 15 (YES 15) Mbps 4G speeds, but now I'm lucky if I hit 500 Kbps on 3G and 4 Mbps on 4G.
And yes, they will send you an Airave. My internet bandwidth wasn't enough to support my Vonage VOIP modem and the Airave, so I put it aside. What they don't tell you is that if you don't use it for 3 months, you have to send it back or you owe them $200 (or $150, I forgot). You can always ask for it again later, but it's kind of grimy they don't tell you that. I got a surprise phone call about it. The good thing about the Airave is that after it's on your account, you can make it so that anyone can use it or you can limit it to certain phone numbers (like you and your family, for example). It does 5 calls at once tops. The BAD thing about it is that it will use your pool of minutes even if your calling a mobile number (free mobile to mobile doesn't apply).
And yes it does 3G. I HATE this about Sprint, but they're the cheapest carrier, which is why I put up with them. Also I just applied for a job with them; just waiting for the paperwork to go through on their end.
The alternative to the Airave is to download an app called Roam Control from the Market. Yeah it's like $4 but you don't need root to use it on the 3D. It lets you force roaming. But beware:
Sprint's roaming rule is this: If more than half the total minutes you use in a billing cycle are roaming minutes, for 3 months in a row, you'll get a warning letter in the mail. Do it again and they'll terminate you. Data I'm not sure, but being more expensive to them than voice, I'm gonna say don't go crazy. Also when you roam, even though it says 3G, you're on 1x.
I have thought about asking for an Airave, just havent gotten around to it. As for roaming, what people need to understand is that it really isnt free. When you roam mobile to mobile (which normally is free), eventually they start using your anytime minutes. When I had my Hero (rooted) I was able to set it to roam all the time, and I was on the phone a good 2 hours a day. Next thing I know, I had a $600 phone bill. I was told that if you use it excessively, they start to use your anytime minutes. I thought this was retarded since just about every call one makes, is to another mobile phone. I really just want them to give me unlimited roaming and Ill be set. Gonna give them a call eithher today or tomorrow and see what can be done. Airave will help me at home, but not on the road.
The Airave does have 3G but really, what's the point? It hooks to your internet router which probably has WiFi anyway so you might as well just connect via WiFi. We checked the 3G speeds on the Airave and got about 600/900. Connected to the same WiFi router, you get 17,000 and 2,000.
Mike
mikeyxda said:
Technically we all have free roaming. We roam for free on Verizon's network so in theory, you should never drop a call if you have either Sprint or Verizon service where you are. I know it worked that way for me on the Evo 4G and once I turned off all the roaming guard crap on the 3vo, it seems about as good as my old Evo 4G. So have you gone into Settings, Wireless, Mobile Network, and turned off the roaming notification sound and made sure you turn OFF all roaming guards?
Edit: BTW my neighbor has the Airave and it does give him 4 to 5 bars throughout his single-level 2850 sq/ft house. No problem keeping a call over there!
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a tid-bit about roaming. Yes, it's free to roam, but I sometimes get stuck between a rock and a hard place with signal where it picks up the most faint Sprint signal, which is so weak that nothing works, but enough to not roam to VZ's network. Not much you can do about that if that happens to you.
What I just got, but haven't spent much time with yet is RoamControl (paid app in market). It allows you to force roaming and works without root on the Evo 3D. Though, I do want to say word of warning that Sprint can drop you from their service all together if you abuse the roaming. Not sure what the rules are about it, but word of warning.
mikeyxda said:
Technically we all have free roaming. We roam for free on Verizon's network so in theory, you should never drop a call if you have either Sprint or Verizon service where you are. I know it worked that way for me on the Evo 4G and once I turned off all the roaming guard crap on the 3vo, it seems about as good as my old Evo 4G. So have you gone into Settings, Wireless, Mobile Network, and turned off the roaming notification sound and made sure you turn OFF all roaming guards?
Edit: BTW my neighbor has the Airave and it does give him 4 to 5 bars throughout his single-level 2850 sq/ft house. No problem keeping a call over there!
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What did you change in the settings? I've been looking to make the roaming popup go away, but I couldn't get it to go away on my OG Evo either...
ubcwigwam said:
Pardon my ignorance because I'm not sure how it works or what hardware you need, but the Sprint Airave signal booster is supposed to work great. A friend of mine works at Sprint and was telling me that evidently it plugs into your wireless router??? and goes for around $100 bucks but he swears that he's getting full bars throughout his entire house including the basement. Might at least help while at home...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Airave broadcasts it's own CDMA signal, and connects to your internet connection to route calls. If you call Sprint and complain about coverage, they'll usually give you an Airave for free with free service. I've got one (Airvana w/3G), and it works excellent.
mikeyxda said:
BTW my neighbor has the Airave and it does give him 4 to 5 bars throughout his single-level 2850 sq/ft house. No problem keeping a call over there!
Mike
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no problem with brain cancer either i bet
Ryan00 said:
Kinda sad that you need a airave or to go outside just to make a phone call. Did you tell sprint its 2011 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We get coverage in the house, but it's a low signal with the occasional dropped call. The airave assures that we don't have any dropped calls.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk

3g speed

Hi,
This isn't phone related but Im hoping someone could still help me?
I signed up to my phone provider on the understanding that i would get 7.2mbps. I know this is always "up to" but i have only been able to get on average 0.3mbps. I realise there are factors like signal strength and network coverage etc but i have done some tests with 7 other people on the same provider and they get equally poor speeds. I have done many tests from different locations and they are all poor.
So can anyone tell me what the deal is with "up to 7.2mbps" ? Can they provide 20 times less speed 0.3 mbps and still claim "up to 7.2mbps"? Is this sufficient to get out of my contract?
I did some tests from another network provider at the same time and they were running at 4.5mbps.
0.3mbps is painfully slow and simply not worth having
Im in Britain, are there any regulations that govern this "up to" business? 2 months and always less than 0.5mbps, rubbish!!
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[rom] i9100xila2
Best speedtest yet with this build. ([ROM] I9100XILA2)
If other people around you are also having poor speed, then there's nothing you can do. Your provider's network simply sucks and you're better off subscribing somewhere else.
Yeh those speeds are what i should be getting
And yes clearly the network provider doesn't have enough capacity, but Im locked in for 10 more months :s - in fact their helpdesk told me the network was at capacity, but as far as Im concerned that's not my problem and not what Im paying for, but the point is... Can i dump them with 10 months left?
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Now this may not be the case with you but if it is T-Mob or Orange UK or some other UK networks then the thread below may enlighten you. This may not apply to other countries but does apply to third party contract purchases and most new T-Mobile purchases.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=823302&highlight=crippled
sgs2_user said:
Hi,
This isn't phone related but Im hoping someone could still help me?
I signed up to my phone provider on the understanding that i would get 7.2mbps. I know this is always "up to" but i have only been able to get on average 0.3mbps. I realise there are factors like signal strength and network coverage etc but i have done some tests with 7 other people on the same provider and they get equally poor speeds. I have done many tests from different locations and they are all poor.
So can anyone tell me what the deal is with "up to 7.2mbps" ? Can they provide 20 times less speed 0.3 mbps and still claim "up to 7.2mbps"? Is this sufficient to get out of my contract?
I did some tests from another network provider at the same time and they were running at 4.5mbps.
0.3mbps is painfully slow and simply not worth having
Im in Britain, are there any regulations that govern this "up to" business? 2 months and always less than 0.5mbps, rubbish!!
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
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Some people have gotten out of there fixed line broadband contracts due to misleading "upto" ratings, but not mobile broadband as far as I know, the T&C's normally say that they guarantee nothing, not even signal. Its a shame. 3UK have good speeds, but whenever I try to tether it lags all to ****, and they ALLOW you to tether.
Im pretty sure there networks just mega overloaded, there's lots of nights where my upload speed is higher than my download, meaning the backhall to the tower doesn't have enough bandwidth.
Tehpriest said:
Now this may not be the case with you but if it is T-Mob or Orange UK or some other UK networks then the thread below may enlighten you. This may not apply to other countries but does apply to third party contract purchases and most new T-Mobile purchases.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=823302&highlight=crippled
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Reading through your thread just made me sick! I don't care how they put it but you can't call those speeds 3g!
Just as ISPs can't call dial-up speeds / latency
Luckily T-Mobile increased their speed cap for 3rd parties to 1mb.. But, wait for it, if you go direct you get a whole whopping 2mb!!! Wow!!
Put it this way.. I'm never getting another T-Mobile contract, you should see the speeds you get with 3 (UK)
Thanks for the links and advice. Its a good point, should go find the t&c's and nail it down.
My phone and contract are supplied as one from a supposedly reputable Telco. So my guess is that they have oversubscribed on their network and hoped no one would notice... That ain't gonna fly
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk
Ouch. I thought I was getting good internet speed on T-Mobile UK on my S2 but after doing a speedtest I'm barely getting 1mb down and 0.5mb up :-/
When my phone, on 3UK kicks into gear (H+) and the network isnt lagging to hell I get.
433kBps down 207kBps up (The bytes per second) aka 3.39Mbps/1.62Mbps
Does the modem version of the phone relate to this matter?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
zincsnow said:
Does the modem version of the phone relate to this matter?
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
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Yes modem is one of the biggest on phone factors in connection strength and speed.
I phoned up to cancel my contract because of the problems and they said i had to go to the shop to find out what was going on. I did that and they told me they were unaware of any issues. Denial! And there is a new cell going up to"this week"... Really... Well we'll see
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Ok I used to be demon man and had a htc hd2 if you go in there and look for the thread "virgin now has the htc hd2" right at the end there is a few of us who escaped our contracts because of there pittyfull internet speeds i cant find it to hand ill have another look for you to read through
Edit.
Have a read through the next couple pages. I found the right page just start from post number 118 mate hopefully this may shed some light to help you get out.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=615643&page=12
Sent From The Dove Above
Thanks mate, will have a good read in the morning
Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk

Need Input: Possibly Switching To Sprint

Hi, I have a couple questions. I currently am with US Cellular with an Electrify. I was thinking of switching to Sprint, but was wondering how cell service is, Internet Speed, just overall view and experience with Sprint. Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks
Service is damn good. Internet speed where i live, not so much. Im lucky to get over 200kbs on 3g but i mean, everything loads just fine. The only time you notice is when you are literally downloading something. Other than that, ive been with sprint for 6 years now and im satisfied. Ive never had any real issues. Having never had us cellular though im not sure how to compare the two.
Sent from my MB855 using XDA
Talk to people in your area and see what their service and speeds are like. In my area I'm averaging 170kbps on 3G for the past year. This is slower than what I got ten years ago on Sprint using a flip phone and 230k hack. Other than that, voice service is good.
The only reason I'm still on Sprint is cost vs data usage. If a GSM carrier offered the same amount of data at the same cost I'd drop Sprint in a heartbeat.
Acvice said:
Im lucky to get over 200kbs on 3g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's like here which is not much better than 1xRTT.
I would what for LTE phones and service in your area, before signing a 2year contract.
Sent from my MB855 using xda premium
Thanks for the input
sprint is awesome
I have been with sprint for a year now n never had any problems. I love the photon. In my area(Kansas city) I get around 2mbps on 3g, never used my phone on 4g yet so not sure boot those speeds. I don't get 4g at my house. But I would definitely recommend joining sprint. I love the unlimited data on my rooted photon. I use close to 60gb of data per month. U can't do that with anyother company.
Like mention before check for feedback with people in your area, Im also one of the unlucky ones to get bad 3g about 180kps when Im lucky. However I talked on the phone for hours with sprint yesterday and I can tell you theyre great at customer service and one of the guys that I spoke to confimed that sprint is updating alot of their towers across the US including many around my area. Hopefully yours is already good.
I love sprint i get 1-2 mbps everywhere i go and always hae service when no one does ALWAYS I LOVE IT
Sent from my Kitchen Sync'ed MoPho!
BHermes21 said:
I was thinking of switching to Sprint, but was wondering how cell service is, Internet Speed, just overall view and experience with Sprint. Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been with Sprint for over 10 years now, while I am satisfied with the service in general, I wouldn't I say I am happy.
The reason is, their prices....yes their prices. They charge $70 a month for unlimited everything. Fine! It is a great deal compared to the other carriers.
However, their speeds suck, really suck. Some users are lucky enough to be near a good coverage site, but I regularly get between 50Kbps & 250Kbps.
Plus they have the BS $10 charge for Premium Data....what Premium Data? Heck, I can't even get normal data where I live & work. I get stuck sending messages using GVoice, market won't open up. If I switch to WiFi everything will work just fine.
Anyway, the reason I stuck with Sprint was they offered me a huge monthly discount on my bill to move to a smartphone (in Dec. 2010). Plus, their LTE network should be up in 2013 and they are decommissioning their IDEN network and re-purposing the spectrum for LTE (or so I've read).
Their unlimited everything plan is great for people who really use a lot of data and have good coverage. For people like me, who barely use 200MB/month its a waste, if I leave data sync on 24/7 I might push 750MB....that's it. If they had tiered data plans, I would switch to that in an instant.
In any case, if you are happy at US Cellular, there is no need to switch. Wait and see how all of this plays out.
Also, call them and ask for incentives to switch over to them. First month free, 20%-25% off etc. You may not get it the first time but call every few weeks and see if you get lucky, especially near the end of the year.
Good Luck!
I get about 2mbits down and 1 up. Best network speeds around my area. Uscc is just a tiny bit slower than that in the same area.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA
I have been with sprint for at least 6 years, maybe more. Don't really remember when I first signed up with them. I have not really had much problems with them. Their customer service has only gotten better since I first signed up, however I liked their old phone upgrade plan better than this new one.
I don't get 4g at my house, but that doesn't bother me much because 3g works pretty well, and I almost always have wifi available.
BHermes21 said:
Hi, I have a couple questions. I currently am with US Cellular with an Electrify. I was thinking of switching to Sprint, but was wondering how cell service is, Internet Speed, just overall view and experience with Sprint. Any input would be much appreciated. Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im from north central iowa had sprint for less than a year, no 3g just 1x and no plans on 3g for atleast 2 years, was in roam allot, so sprint and i decided to part ways, back with us cellular and very happy with speeds and coverages. just my 2 cents

On vacation in Europe, data plan dropped to 2G

Hi all,
I'm vacationing with my family to Disney Paris and T-Mobile has a nifty feature of unlimited data and texting in foreign countries included in my plan.
Awesome!
Unfortunately the data is only 2G. Makes it impossible to use GPS. Surf the web or send pictures attached to a text.
Is there a mod that can bump that back up to 4G?
Thanks,
NJ
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
njdevils28 said:
Hi all,
I'm vacationing with my family to Disney Paris and T-Mobile has a nifty feature of unlimited data and texting in foreign countries included in my plan.
Awesome!
Unfortunately the data is only 2G. Makes it impossible to use GPS. Surf the web or send pictures attached to a text.
Is there a mod that can bump that back up to 4G?
Thanks,
NJ
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
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That's the reason why it's free
GPS should work fine though. You can pay to get 4G data, but it's so expensive for so little data, I wouldn't bother. Try looking for free wifi hotspots.
njdevils28 said:
Hi all,
I'm vacationing with my family to Disney Paris and T-Mobile has a nifty feature of unlimited data and texting in foreign countries included in my plan.
Awesome!
Unfortunately the data is only 2G. Makes it impossible to use GPS. Surf the web or send pictures attached to a text.
Is there a mod that can bump that back up to 4G?
Thanks,
NJ
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
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Click to collapse
Go to your T-mobile account and buy a one week 200 MB data for $25 (or 2 weeks 500 MB for $50). This is fast data, the free one is 2G only.
The best data prices when traveling abroad usually entail getting a local SIM card. Prepaid or sometimes a regular (cancel anytime) plan. For example, the last time that I looked SFR France had a 1 GB data plan (3G+) for 8 Euro.
.
fffft said:
The best data prices when traveling abroad usually entail getting a local SIM card. Prepaid or sometimes a regular (cancel anytime) plan. For example, the last time that I looked SFR France had a 1 GB data plan (3G+) for 8 Euro.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally forgot about this. OP, do this. Europe is so much cheaper than here for cell service, you can get something that will cover you for an entire month for about $10. You do have to make sure that your phone is unlocked though. If it isn't and you've had the phone for more than 40 days on the same tmobile account, you can ask mobile to give you the unlock code. If you haven't had it for more than 40 days, then you can just pay for one online.
njdevils28 said:
Hi all,
I'm vacationing with my family to Disney Paris and T-Mobile has a nifty feature of unlimited data and texting in foreign countries included in my plan.
Awesome!
Unfortunately the data is only 2G. Makes it impossible to use GPS. Surf the web or send pictures attached to a text.
Is there a mod that can bump that back up to 4G?
Thanks,
NJ
Sent from my SM-G900T using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what is supposed to happen. Your connection may range from 2G through LTE when roaming internationally, however on the "free" plan you will be capped at 128kbps. Which isn't great, but it is fine for email, light web-lookups, most apps even skype calls!
You are lucky that the S5 worked out of the box. I was in London last week on an LG G3 and it took hours of fiddling with the APNs to get the damn phone to roam over there. So much of a hassle to have to find the perfect combination of mobile network/APN, that I just gave up and traded for an S5. I'm hoping that like my old iPhone 5s the data will just plain work without any fiddling.
T-mobile's free data plan may sound slow, but compared to roaming plans that existed before, this is the best thing since sliced bread! Imagine landing in a foreign country and immediately having working data...without having to hunt for a local SIM? Priceless. For folks who travel to many foreign destinations for short times, this is perfect.
lordhamster said:
That is exactly what is supposed to happen. Your connection may range from 2G through LTE when roaming internationally, however on the "free" plan you will be capped at 128kbps. Which isn't great, but it is fine for email, light web-lookups, most apps even skype calls!
You are lucky that the S5 worked out of the box. I was in London last week on an LG G3 and it took hours of fiddling with the APNs to get the damn phone to roam over there. So much of a hassle to have to find the perfect combination of mobile network/APN, that I just gave up and traded for an S5. I'm hoping that like my old iPhone 5s the data will just plain work without any fiddling.
T-mobile's free data plan may sound slow, but compared to roaming plans that existed before, this is the best thing since sliced bread! Imagine landing in a foreign country and immediately having working data...without having to hunt for a local SIM? Priceless. For folks who travel to many foreign destinations for short times, this is perfect.
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I agree with your statement that the Tmo roaming works right out of the box, no fiddling. Where I go in the Caribbean, you step off the plane and everything just works (slowly).

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