This weekend I'm going to a location where I get poor reception on my phone with verizon.
I know from past experiences the locals where I'm going have cell phones that seem to work. I'm not sure what provider they all use though. Might be a dumb question, but can I change the Preferred network type to something else to get better reception?
My phone is LG G3 running ResurrectionRemix M 5.7.3
Under the Preferred network type I have lots of different options: see image attachment.
I'm usually on Global. Although I do have to toggle between LTE sometime to get data to work but I think that is more a bug with ROM/phone.
Do phones not work this way?
Thanks in advance.
It's rare that it would make much of a difference, but it doesn't hurt to try. If nothing else, out of curiousity. If it's super terrible and you really need service, your phone is unlocked so you can probably find a prepaid carrier that you can at least get service with while you're there. I know Tmo has Pay as You Go service for $3 a day, but requires a $20 SIM card / service fee.
I really don't know about your location but here switching network does bring better reception. Here we don't have 4G so we are forced to use 3G or 2G. So while using 3G I get -100dB, which is really poor but while switching to 2G I get around -85dB. Again, this is reference to my place. It all depends on the carrier and the nearest cell tower.
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I live in an area that has...umm...less than stellar tmobile service. Call/sms is ok most of the time but the data connection here is nonexistant for all intensive purposes. Can't use Pandora, can't really browse the internet, can't do much of anything that involves a data connection.
I was wondering if there was a way to improve this. The AT&T service out here has pretty good signal strength and 3g. I know both are gsm. There isn't a way to use their towers without getting a new number and sim, is there?
Is there anything else I can do to improve data reception? I love my phone and tmobile is pretty good everywhere around me...it's just pretty bad here.
rmp5s said:
I live in an area that has...umm...less than stellar tmobile service. Call/sms is ok most of the time but the data connection here is nonexistant for all intensive purposes. Can't use Pandora, can't really browse the internet, can't do much of anything that involves a data connection.
I was wondering if there was a way to improve this. The AT&T service out here has pretty good signal strength and 3g. I know both are gsm. There isn't a way to use their towers without getting a new number and sim, is there?
Is there anything else I can do to improve data reception? I love my phone and tmobile is pretty good everywhere around me...it's just pretty bad here.
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Yeah you won't be able to ride ATTs network with a tmo SIM. The only thing I can recommend is try flashing different modems and see if any of them help increase your data. The modem bible is somewhere floating in the first couple pages of the dev section. Failing that, wifi when you are at home is gonna be the only fix until tmo gets a stronger tower out where you're at.
I assume that I'll need to call AT&T and give them the IMEI number of the GSII -- do I need to request anything special so that they provision the phone on their "4G" (HSPA+) network?
Do I need to tell them what model of phone it is?
I had an Inspire 4G in the past, but returned it in favor of buying this phone outright and avoid reupping my contract for a 'meh' phone in comparison -- I'm still grandfathered into the Unlimited data plan, and in the past when I had the Inspire 4G I was on their Unlimited 4G plan -- I guess do I just ask for the same?
Would it be easier to just take the new phone into the store -- I'm terrified of them molesting this new beauty.
Just trying to think ahead and be prepared for when this beast arrives (hopefully?) next week!
The area I live in does indeed have HSPA+ service.
Dont call atnt, ever. You dont need to in order to enable 3g. If your phone shows 3g (searches) and then switches over to 2g right off the bat in an area where you know you get 3g then you can figure you are on the euro bands. Unlikely but go into settings/wireless and see if you can toggle. Most likely you will need to root and then go to the hidden menu for the bands. Instructions for both can be found here in a search. Unless of course its working. lol If you see it staying on 3g run speed test if you dont mind. Regards report back, lots of folks want to have an answer with this one.
krabman said:
Dont call atnt, ever. You dont need to in order to enable 3g. If your phone shows 3g (searches) and then switches over to 2g right off the bat in an area where you know you get 3g then you can figure you are on the euro bands. Unlikely but go into settings/wireless and see if you can toggle. Most likely you will need to root and then go to the hidden menu for the bands. Instructions for both can be found here in a search. Unless of course its working. lol If you see it staying on 3g run speed test if you dont mind. Regards report back, lots of folks want to have an answer with this one.
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Gotcha. I've read lots of shenanigans that your IMEI has to be provisioned on their network for it to access HSPA+ -- I've also heard that you need a LTE capable SIM card to get on the HSPA+ network - which makes no sense, since HSPA+ is basically enhanced 3G.
You don't have to do anything, just pop in your sim card and go.
Do we have confirmation anyone using a galaxy ds2784 with att 3g yet?
I attempted to do my homework on device compatibility beforehand so as to avoid the shock of something like being stuck on EDGE for data. Nevertheless even with a video review showing the DNA operating HSPA+ on Solavei I am stuck on dreaded EDGE. The activation period took a couple of hours with my new phone (DNA) being able to dial out but SMS/MMS non functional as well as calls to my handset. EDGE was running during this time but after a bit I saw it flash to 3G then H.....success! NOPE. At this point I verified SMS and all calls were working and my phone seemed to want to connect to HSPA+ but was having network communication issues when trying to run speed tests. I attributed all this to my home location, it having always with any carrier been quite on the outskirts of general coverage even though I'm only 1/4 mile from town which is a bit ludicrous in itself. Later that night I drove a little into town to test the data and alas H+ lit up, ran a speed test 2.5MB download...not to shabby IMO. Next day I drive to work and into the center of my home area where the best coverage is for ANY carrier and the entire trip H+ only lit up for a few seconds. Ever since there is no change in data always on E. I called Solavei and told them the issue and they pretty much gave me the runaround and couldn't definitively explain why it worked for a short period but wouldn't now. I can't 100% confirm that T-Mobile has refarmed the area to 1900Mhz but I read my city in a list of 49 in an article that said they were done. This being said I'm forced to let this month play out until possibly switching carrier perhaps one that uses AT&T instead. I asked Straight Talk about my device and they said they offer SIMs for both AT&T and T-Mobile but AT&T is limited to 3G service only whilst T-Mobile should work for HSPA+. I don't know if this a T-Mobile issue or a Solavei one or it's just my phone, but don't see how it could be the phone since it was up and running briefly.
I use T-Mobile and my connection is all over the place at times, refarming is actually the reason I think, its going for the strongest signal, if its edge, it gets edge towers, until the refarm is done I think we'll continue to see this kind of behavior for awhile. As time has gone by its gotten better around here with less time on edge and more on 3g/h+ since I first got the phone.
I can't vouch for at&t but no h+ sounds a little strange to me, if anything bands wise they should be more compatible then T-Mobile.
Tapatalked from my HTC DNA - Carbon
pio_masaki said:
I use T-Mobile and my connection is all over the place at times, refarming is actually the reason I think, its going for the strongest signal, if its edge, it gets edge towers, until the refarm is done I think we'll continue to see this kind of behavior for awhile. As time has gone by its gotten better around here with less time on edge and more on 3g/h+ since I first got the phone.
I can't vouch for at&t but no h+ sounds a little strange to me, if anything bands wise they should be more compatible then T-Mobile.
Tapatalked from my HTC DNA - Carbon
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It sounds like the refarm is much more of a gradual process than a one and done. At least I hope so or else there's not much to look forward to there. I know the Solavei rep was full of complete and utter BS since she told my phone was incompatible since it wasn't on their database of phones to service APN settings OTA. I may try out Straight Talk or Net10 just to see how the AT&T network speed performs.
Sorry for my ignorance, does the DNA really get H+ (42Mbs) ? On GSM network?
Thanks
trungbeo said:
Sorry for my ignorance, does the DNA really get H+ (42Mbs) ? On GSM network?
Thanks
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No reason it can't, hardware supports it if you have the connection to do it. In my coverage I'm usually edge or 3g so I can't say for sure.
Tapatalked from my HTC DNA - Carbon
I ended up leaving solavei (T-Mobile) for net10 (at&t) The coverage is worlds apart in terms of hspa. I get it everywhere though the speeds fluctuate but are decent. T-Mobile definitely needs to expand coverage it was not good where I lived about 80% was edge.
Just picked up a new G3 and new service provider in Verizon. Is it common to be stuck on 3G majority of the time in a decent size city? It sometimes in a blue moon switches to 4GLTE, but won't stay long.
I am with tmobile currently as well as that is my main carrier, but needed good coverage in the bad areas of Pennsylvania. Have awesome coverage where I live with tmobile, however with Verizon not so much.
Is it common?
I guess I have 14 days to decide. Any feedback greatly appreciated,
JesseMT4G said:
Just picked up a new G3 and new service provider in Verizon. Is it common to be stuck on 3G majority of the time in a decent size city? It sometimes in a blue moon switches to 4GLTE, but won't stay long.
I am with tmobile currently as well as that is my main carrier, but needed good coverage in the bad areas of Pennsylvania. Have awesome coverage where I live with tmobile, however with Verizon not so much.
Is it common?
I guess I have 14 days to decide. Any feedback greatly appreciated,
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take it back... verizon locks everything down tmo allows you to be free .
sorry i didn't actually help you in regards to your question.
The only time I see myself switch to 3g is where I have crappy service at my parent's place. Otherwise I don't have that issue..
However I'm also not in Pennsylvania so someone else may need to comment on that bit.
Perhaps they're doing tower upgrades over there?
The G3 gets really good reception, on par or better than the Motorola phones which are known to have excellent reception. I'd give it a day or so to settle along with a few restarts to see if you can grab an updated PRL. Outside of that Verizon may not be great in your area. I have to go outside to get a decent 4G signal, inside it's 3G most of the time.
That's the thing, I still have my T-Mobile phone. I actually live in Ohio, however work in PA and a little of West Virginia where I get no signal and can only make emergency calls. When in Ohio, where I live I get amazing 4G signal on lte. 40 down and 10 up to where on Verizon where I live I get 7 down and barely 1 up. It's crazy... Then again I am on 3G most of the time.
So wifi it goes....
Also is it normal to be on wifi and next to it the 4G/3G signal shows. I only have a gig of data is why I ask. Don't want unwanted charges on my bill.
T-Mobile g Flex unfortunately will still be my main phone. Unlimited everything.
JesseMT4G said:
Also is it normal to be on wifi and next to it the 4G/3G signal shows. I only have a gig of data is why I ask. Don't want unwanted charges on my bill.
T-Mobile g Flex unfortunately will still be my main phone. Unlimited everything.
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Yep that's normal, nothing to worry about there
Ok, thanks. Just worried as T-Mobile phone goes straight to wifi symbol only.
You could try switching airplane mode on and then back off
Sent from my VS985 4G using Tapatalk
kwkw480 said:
take it back... verizon locks everything down tmo allows you to be free .
sorry i didn't actually help you in regards to your question.
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Explain this a little more.
Go to network and Switch to LTE from global. I had the same problem and that fixed it
leemsami said:
Go to network and Switch to LTE from global. I had the same problem and that fixed it
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I did this and at 1st it gave me full bars. I did a reset for some reason and when it came back it's back to 1 bar. Weird....So does this mean I'll stay on 4G and won't pan back to 3G, if so might need to be on global in order to get signal in bad areas.
Thanks though, see what happens.
Things to try:
Power off take out the sim, power back on without sim, power off and put sim back in.
Call Verizon and have then send an update to your sim card.
Factory reset your device
Get a new sim card
toy028 said:
Things to try:
Power off take out the sim, power back on without sim, power off and put sim back in.
Call Verizon and have then send an update to your sim card.
Factory reset your device
Get a new sim card
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a new phone and I would have to already take put the SIM. I mean I will as I dont get why I am constantly on 3G. Thought Verizon was good at penetrating buildings for 4G.
Not to mention even when I am on 4G it's no where near the speeds my tmobile phone gets.
Might have to chalk it up to so many people on big red....I guess as long as I get signal in the boonies I'll be okay. Just a little disappointed.
Thanks for the help.
I had this same issue and switching it from Global to CDMA/LTE fixed it for me. I've read that it shouldn't matter if it's on Global.... But I clearly saw the difference.
This G3 gets the same or better reception that my S4 does. I'm happy with it
- Sent From My G3
You should be on 4G, if it is available in your area. Signal strength is the main reason it'll drop to 3G, but that's only when your 4G signal drops above -100 dBm. Somewhere around the -115 is where mine decides it's better to switch to 3G. I even get some 1X's here at my desk, but I've got a crappy signal at my desk. If you're on 3G most of the time, then there's a problem. As stated earlier, take the following steps:
FDR (Factory Data Reset.) You'll lose everything, so back it up.
Go into the VZW store and tell them you want another SIM card. (Try not to handle it with your fingers and tell them not to handle it with theirs either.)
Replacement phone is the only other alternative.
If none of the above works, then you probably do need to switch back to T-Mobile. Just remember, you only have 14 days to figure this out!
Have you looked at a coverage map? Verizon does have excellent coverage but all carriers have holes
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Looks like Verizon has spotty service in the area you described. Vzw May not be the best choice for you in that area. Especially if you travel.
Sent from my VS985 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
leyvatron said:
Explain this a little more.
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T-Mobile's version comes factory unlocked. It already has the TWRP recovery.
OTOH, T-Mobile's version is SIM locked and Verizon's isn't, so Verizon's version is more free if you ever need to travel internationally.
scy1192 said:
T-Mobile's version comes factory unlocked. It already has the TWRP recovery.
OTOH, T-Mobile's version is SIM locked and Verizon's isn't, so Verizon's version is more free if you ever need to travel internationally.
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I got faith in the devs as far at unlocking this phone for a custom recovery!
- Sent From My G3
I've somewhat recently obtained the LG G2 Mini (D620R) due to my stupid self bricking my Samsung S3. In every single way it utterly destroys the S3, despite the S3's specs being slightly better. I've recently switched to T-Mobile, since I was under the impression that T-Mobile is a GSM carrier, and my phone is GSM as far as I know and Straighttalk was no longer a viable option.
I was told I would get spotty data coverage where I live, and that is completely understandable and I knew that going in. However, I have been getting little to no voice and text service where I live, and fair service in town. Even a free cell booster did not seem to help despite getting fair signal at the window unit. I did a bit of troubleshooting and for some reason, the phone is connected to T-Mobile (WCDMA). This makes no sense as A)It's a GSM phone (afaik). B) T-Mobile is a GSM carrier. The only other options when scanning the networks in the area are AT&T (WCDMA) and AT&T (GSM). In town, there is a T-Mobile (GSM) network, but selecting it results in EDGE instead of 3G/H. The cell booster did work some at first, but it seems to have stopped helping at all. Since it is not a T-Mobile phone I can't use Wi-Fi calling/texting. Is there something I'm missing? Did I find wrong information/get lied to about T-Mobile? Did I get scammed on the phone? I'm hoping I can get some help or figure this out, I can't really afford another phone and getting a phone through T-Mobile would push my bill up way too high (and honestly, I'm considering dropping to the non-unlimited plan because of how insanely expensive it is).
A less important question, how do I bypass the tethering restrictions? Do I need to root the phone or is there a simpler method? Last time I rooted a phone...it resulted in me having to buy this one in the first place...
Also, is the S3 really that badly crippled by Touchwiz a weaker phone can utterly humiliate it?
Ok, first of all google a bit about mobile network standards, there's everything explained. I'll just introduce you with a few things:
1. WCDMA is not equal to CDMA, it actually represents 3G standard for regular (not CDMA) phones.
2. GSM equals 2G standard, and it gives EDGE data communication, while WCDMA equals 3G/3G+ standard and it gives HSPA/HSPA+ data communication.
As I said just google it, at your location you probably have stronger 2G than 3G signal, and when you go to some bigger town or city you get 3G better.
For start read the information given at this link.
Problem is, I get absolutely no EDGE at all where I live, only 3G/H and I consistently lose all service and cannot make calls. I am well within the coverage area for at least voice. I also have been having more and more troubles with data even in town. It's progressively gotten to the point where I have to constantly toggle data just to get some mobile data for a few minutes or so.
Try to select 2g only network and you should get EDGE.
If I select 2G Only, I get no service at all, it doesn't even attempt to search for a signal where I live (Red 'X' instead of spinny icon). However in town if I do this, I do immediately get switched to EDGE/2G and it's signal is slightly better.
Than it means you don't have network coverage at your place, that's all.
My booster however shows it gets 3 bars, and I was made aware at the time I would get at the very least get voice service. I did some checking and I'm about 5 miles from the nearest cell tower. My only other option at this point is AT&T, but I have a general distaste for them, can't afford a phone if they don't have a BYOP program, and they do shady things to rooted phones from what I've heard.
I do expect poor or no data service where I live, I can make do with that. What I don't expect is no voice service at all, sometimes even to the point of no E911 either.