Database Users

o2 3G

Hello, without meaning to sound like a complete idiot, can anyone tell me if I will automatically get 3G connection on my o2 account, or do I need to contact them to enable it.
Because every time I try to make a video call, the Exec tells me that 3G is not available.
Or do I need a new SIM Card?
They sent me a new SIM Card with the Exec, but I have not fitted it. Do you think that I need to insert and activate it?
Many Thanks in Advance
Fatzzz

I also got a new SIM card when my Exec arrived and I had to call O2 to get them to activate it. They said this would happen within several hours, but in fact it happened within 5 minutes. The old card stopped working at exactly the same time, so don't go out without them both once you've called them!
You can only make video calls when your phone has locked on to the 3G network. You'll know when this has happened because you'll see a 'U' symbol next to the phone signal strength icon instead of the 'G' for GPRS. (U stands for UTMS.) Or, go to the phone dialler pad and check the network name.
Most people seem to struggle to find a 3G signal though, so it might all be a waste of time. Certainly here in Sussex I haven't found a signal yet.

Thanks SiliconS, do you know if there is a special plan to subscribe to, or will it work as long as it is in a 3G area?
Cheers
Fatzzz

I contacted O2 today to ask the same question (as well as get my new plan confirmed).
I was advised that I would need a new sim, which has been ordered and should be sent out soon, and once that sim arrives, I need to contact O2 and get them to enable the new SIM and disable the old one.
What they then advised me is that 3G would be used whenever it is available.
It'll work in Liverpool where I work, but from what I've seen, St Helens, where I live, won't work just now but is planned for future expansion although there is no date.
To be honest I doubt I'll use it too much as I permanently activesync with my laptop via Bluetooth and use that as an Internet connection.
Once a decent push email solution has been delivered I'll probably rely on 3G a bit more.

In London, I get U everywhere I go, don't know about other areas. It was rather amusing when the train passed Hither Green the U changed to G for about 10 secs then switched back to U again. So does it mean the transmitter somewhere near Hither Green doesn't support 3G?

it could just be that the signal wasn't strong enough to support UTMS.
For example, if I go into the office at work I usually end up on GPRS, yet if I go near a window I can use UTMS just fine.
Hope this helps.

http://www.webmap.o2.co.uk/
Check you O2 coverage
I am right on the edge of a coverage area however i am in dark blue but i get a very week signal from O2s UMTS network and a very strong signal from their GSM network.
I have real problems with using a data connection as i keep switching between the 2 networks and there is a delay while it does it. Also MSNM is really bad when it does this. At the moment i have set my Exec to just use the GSM network and ignore the UMTS one.

well I ordered a new sim from o2 to get 3g on my jasjar, and they sent me a normal gsm one (I didn't notice at the time, ended up hard resetting just to make sure I hasn't disabled it somehow!) So check when the SIM arrives that got 3G written on the side with the bubbles and not GSM! I infact ended up going to the O2 shop and getting one from there.
Flubster

call can't come in while data always on

I just switch to 3G instead of 2G. I want to experience the high speed internet suffing via my handset.
But I found the problem is that the phone call can't came in if I using the 3G data. Not even transfer to security services. Just a "Busy tone".
Check with the service provider and they are now checking with their technical dept to see if they can found the problem.
They said that the call should be able to come in because the phone call channel is different to the data channel. :roll: :?:
Anyone experience the same problem?

I experienced the same problem with my CHT9000. You may change the setting to GSM then call can come in when you using GPRS but you can't enjoy the high 3G speed on data transmittion. Anyone has better solution?

complicated issue; can be the same with GPRS/EDGE ; I made a lot of research read below;
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=54738&highlight=

It is interesting. I don't have this kind of problem while I am using GPRS. But it happen to my new network provider (3G).

Lucky you then :lol:
At least you have GPRS/EDGE working and as a result it is absolutely a network provider issue.
I talked every detail with a guy in my Net. Op. and seems can be solved by "tricky switching something on" but they could not make me believe that this is not thier mistake. Because Class B phones MUST suspend the data flow and accept incoming calls for the technical point, only class A phones (no retail ATM) can make data flow and GSM talk at the same same.
GPRS is 2G, EDGE is 2,5G and same tecnique as 3G, only speeds are lower, so I beleive if u use 2G suspend while incoming calls your Net.Op. can solve the problem if they want :wink:

I have this strange problem with my vario II.
I am using Tmobile GPRS on both 2g and 3g network, If I am using the 2g phone works if If am using 3g phone doesn't work if I call it, the phone rings but doesn't alert me. The most annoying problem I am having is the phone switches between 2G and 3G if I am in a call the phone goes silent can't hear anything the display shows the call as connected and around 5-10 seconds later the phone drops call drops. This happens even if the data connection if not active.
What is the deal with that? anyone else have this problem.
Phone band settings are below
network type
Auto
GSM
GSM(900+1800)+UTMS(2100)

I've just discovered the same problem with my orange branded tytn, I'll be phoning them later to ask what they can do about it.

xxnoelziexx said:
I am using Tmobile GPRS on both 2g and 3g network, If I am using the 2g phone works if If am using 3g phone doesn't work if I call it, the phone rings but doesn't alert me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Works perfectly on T-Mobile UMTS for me. I did flash the Dopod 838Pro ROM though.

will flash the dopod rom in the morning. I am currently using the imate rom, and the tmobile rom the device shipped with had to many slow downs so it had to go. if this fixes the drop out issue I will be happy if not the phone will be in its box till a rom update. got the phone cheap so don't really mind. nice phone/pda apart from this issue in my line of work can't afford to miss or drop calls.
so is this a hardware or a software issue then?

No harware problem, it is absolutely software issue. Read my posts above and the links I gave

No problems here I'm afraid.
Voda v1605 running the Voda Blackberry Client, so either 3G or GPRS (where no 3G available) on all the time. Calls and SMS received perfectly.
Only issue I have is when using 3G, unlike home wired broadband, I cannot use multiple applications through the single 3G connection (e.g. Blackberry client on and surf too)
Steven

3G/UMTS: online and phone call at the same time?

I was under the impression that once you are connected to a 3G/UMTS network, you can be online and make phone calls at the same time?
I just tried it but my TyTN told me to end the phone call first before connecting. I have the U on top and my speed test (dslreports) indicated a 662kbit/s rate. Any comments?
I believe I have one of the older 3G SIM card. Initially, I didn't think I even had a 3G SIM card and had some rep send me one of the new ones (with the flaming 3G on it). However, since my TyTN showed the U and had pretty decent download speeds, I assumed it would be 3G capable.

Donno what's going on .. I get email emails notifications during calls all the time (DirectPush) ... I am always connected ..

gravejoker said:
Donno what's going on .. I get email emails notifications during calls all the time (DirectPush) ... I am always connected ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you have the new 3G SIM?

All I can say is I have made phone calls while surfing on 3G.

Yes ... But with my old one .. I wasnt even able to get on the UMTS network .. in your case it's working .. you can try getting a new 3G sim and see if that helps .. prob would cost you around 25 bucks ..

I was under the impression that e TyTN was a class A device, meaning it can connect to data, or make calls, but not both as the same time. At least that's definitely the case with GPRS/EDGE connectons. If it's not the case with 3G, maybe GPRS is trying to connect in the background?

I am definitely connected to UMTS/HSDPA all the time and regularly make simultaneous phone calls...
Note that GPRS/EDGE does not support simultaneous phone/data connections. If you're not in a 3G area, you've got to choose one or the other at any given moment...

I live a little north of San Francisco which is a 3G area. Considering the U in my display and the good data rate, I am pretty certain that I am connected to 3G/UMTS. However, I tried several times today to sync my emails during phone calls but every time I am told to finish the call first

Can anyone tell me whether this SIM card is 3G capable?

tschabo said:
Can anyone tell me whether this SIM card is 3G capable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If it doesn't say "3G," it's not...

It's just a regular 64K SIM ... you can get a new 3G SIM (blue colored) and see if that helps ... it's really wierd because you are able to get on the UMTS network already ...

I switched over to the new 3G card today and when I got home I tried to simultaneously be on the phone and online but once again I get the message to end the phone call first.
Are there any other settings I need to watch out for?

Can you please post your phone band and APN settings?
At this point .. I can only think of 2 options really:
a. Return your TyTN and get a new one .. if it's possible. ..
b. Try upgrading your RadioROM to 1.16 or 1.20 and see if that helps .. If you need to return your phone then this might be an issue ..
- JoKer

How can I upgrade the RadioROM ??

http://wiki.xda-developers.com/index.php?pagename=Hermes_ExtractedRadioRoms ...
Please do anything at you own risk ..

Incoming calls go to voicemail with active data connection

I've got a T-mobile UK touch plus.
Currently, if I am using the data connection then all incoming voice calls are being sent to voicemail. This occurs with a GSM connection, which is part of the spec and is fine, but also with the 3G connection, which should allow the incoming voice call through. I have spoken to t-mobile and they acknowledge this problem and say they are working to fix it.
Is it likely there will be a fix for this? Is there a radio ROM already available that fixes the issue?
Sorry if this has already been covered - I searched with a pretty wide variety of terms and didn't find anything conclusive.

I have the same phone, same network... and it still rings while i have the "3g connected" symbol (3g with two arrows pointing left and right) showing.
Havent tried while connected to GPRS cuz im not sure how to force it into G mode while im near a phone.

Sorry, I should have been clearer - the phone will ring with an unused 3G connection, but not when data is actually being sent/received. This is the behaviour you would expect from GSM, but the 3G spec should allow voice calls through regardless of data - my Vodafone v1605 has no problem with this. T-mobile say it is the device not the network, I just wonder how likely I am to get a fix for this? It could be a problem with activesync using the data connection quite frequently.
A good way to test it is with google maps, or something that will maintain a constant connection, then call your phone. 3G should put the call through, but it will be rejected to voicemail instead.
FYI to put into GSM mode;
Settings>Phone>Band>Set top option to GSM, leave bottom on Auto

same problem here. but i only expreienced that randomly
i know that gprs can not handle data and voice. but 3g should, right?

Yes, 3G should be able to run voice and data streams simultaneously without any problems. I'm surprised there is not more interest in this because it seems to be a pretty major problem with the device if you cannot receive calls while browsing or otherwise using the data connection.

Me too
I experienced this too. I have an direct HTC Touch dual rather than the t-mobile branded version but I'm using a t-mobile sim. I use Exchange Activesync and am missing calls all the time.

fwiw, i experience the same with a Nokia e61 on 3-AT network with exchange active.

It seems that T-mobile have fixed their network today to allow calls while using data. Bonus.

Hero, have to choose: Data/3G or voice calls, HTC reinvet the 90's!

Hi,
after having several missed calls going straight to my answering machine on my new HTC Hero. I was getting a bit paranoiac, so I've decided to test in/out calls.
Basically, 90 of my incoming calls were going straight to my answering machine. Out-call were about 30% KO
After several tests, to make sure there was a problem, I've decided to request for support from HTC.
Support told me that I should shut the 3g connection every time I would want to receive a call .
So I tried and Bingo, if 3G is activated, I get 10% of the calls, if I deactivate it 90% success.
So you'll say, I should be happy? Right? Wrong!
The main use of that kind of phone is to have a data integration, otherwise I would have kept my old nokia from 10 years ago..
Here basically, if I follow HTC idea, I should keep the 3g closed, sometime, I should switch it on to get my mails, thanks to the non true push capacities (ok this one is not htc) then wait for the sync, maybe force it , get my mails, and then, shut 3g back and pray that no Über important call would have been done.
Well that plain sucks!
Never had such a thing on my previous Data friendly mobiles, why should I accept it on the Hero?
If someone have come across this bug, cause it is a bug, how did he/she managed to fix it?
Thanks

works fine on mine....i suggest you are on a ****e network, or on only 2G where you are. that's what usually causes this.
I guess they suggested this because it sounds like your network hasn't figured out how to route calls properly on their network when data is active, and they dump it straight to voicemail when there is a data connection active.
not the phone's fault, the phone won't even know that the call has been missed, the network simply does not route the call through and sends it to voicemail instead.
i had this on O2 a while ago. went to t-mobile (who knew how to set up their network properly for data) and never had this issue since when i am on 3G coverage. if i'm on 2G signal and have active data then yes, i miss calls. but that's how 2G networks operate.
it's truly shocking how many networks out there have absolutely no idea how to set up their networks properly for data!

Well I wish it would be that, my signal goes from -63 dbm 25 asu(80% of the time) to -81 dbm 16 asu.
Just after my post, I called one of my friend working in carrier terminal validation.
What he told me was, 2 options:
- Same bug was on the htc cruise, bug got corrected after a fw update.
- Some of my carrier radio are buggy and 3g goes over gsm.(SFR/VOdaphone France)
I bet for the first option since I had the problem in various places since I didn't want to ask support for nothing and get busted for a " feeling and not facts" (did the test in 3 differend location 80 tests in total(I used to be a tester....).
I will update the topic if I get news about it

nmuncer said:
!
Never had such a thing on my previous Data friendly mobiles, why should I accept it on the Hero?
If someone have come across this bug, cause it is a bug, how did he/she managed to fix it?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You shouldn't accept it - but most people don't have this issue!
It's unlikely to be a "bug" per se, because otherwise it would be endemic behaviour, so it's either:
1. Your physical device (get it changed!)
2. Your network.
In addition, just an FYI in case you've got the new Sprint Hero, but most CDMA networks (including Sprint) do not support simultaneous voice and data. I've no idea what happens in practice on Sprint, but I'd imagine if you were actively using data your voice calls would get diverted to voicemail unless Sprint automatically suspends data when a voice call is pending.
Regards,
Dave

You're on SFR?
OUCH!!!!
Sounds like you have a nice strong signal, but is it 2G or 3G? (do you see a G, E 3G or H at the top of the screen?
if you see G or E, it's cos you're on 2G, If you get 3G or H, it's on 3G.
And yes, there were a few issues with the P3300 and the cruise, but they were mainly on Bouygues, not so much on SFR.
There's nothing known of on the hero, and as SFR sell the Magic, i would have thought they would have ironed out any issues already...

Hi,
I'm mostly in HSDPA or 3G.
I still have contacts with people at SFR (used to work there till recently) they might share a bit of info.

Idk if yours is CDMA or the GSM one but on mine (CDMA) under the mobile network settings, I have the option to switch the mode of operation to ether Hybrid, EVDO only, and 1X only. Now, I know how Sprint's network works, not sure if it's the same for any other networks but if I set it to Evdo only (3g) I'll miss all my calls because Sprint does voice over 1X. Hybrid mode does EVDO when you're using data and switches to 1X when you're doing voice/sms.

rhedgehog said:
if you see G or E, it's cos you're on 2G, If you get 3G or H, it's on 3G.
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Regarding this and your suggestion that 2g and data will result in missed calls, Can you suggest how to avoid this happening? I live and work in the country and only have 2g, so have found quite often people have mentioned my phone not even ringing- straight to answer phone. This explains it.
Nice to know, but annoying if I can't solve it- I run a business and my phone is very important.
Cheers,

ajones7279 said:
Idk if yours is CDMA or the GSM one but on mine (CDMA) under the mobile network settings, I have the option to switch the mode of operation to ether Hybrid, EVDO only, and 1X only. Now, I know how Sprint's network works, not sure if it's the same for any other networks but if I set it to Evdo only (3g) I'll miss all my calls because Sprint does voice over 1X. Hybrid mode does EVDO when you're using data and switches to 1X when you're doing voice/sms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have sprint as well and when someone calls you when youre running hybrid, you should not miss calls. you will get disconnected from the internet when someone is calling though

ajones7279 said:
Idk if yours is CDMA or the GSM one but on mine (CDMA) under the mobile network settings, I have the option to switch the mode of operation to ether Hybrid, EVDO only, and 1X only. Now, I know how Sprint's network works, not sure if it's the same for any other networks but if I set it to Evdo only (3g) I'll miss all my calls because Sprint does voice over 1X. Hybrid mode does EVDO when you're using data and switches to 1X when you're doing voice/sms.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi, I'm on hybrid

that is what i hate about hero, it is really great except for the fact that it switches from 2g to 3g without notice. i want it to be permanently stuck in 3g for faster downloads and mms, but when it uses 2g, i cant send and receive mms and surfing the web is slow as heck! im still looking for an app that would permanently put the device in 3g just like with winmo it which you can use wcdma ONLY.
cheers!

If you use AnyCut, you can create a short cut by selecting:
New Shortcut->Activity->Phone info
This will create a shortcut on your homescreen which beings up a hidden "engineering" screen on which you'll find an drop down for "Set preferred network type" where you can select WCDMA only.
Regards,
Dave

alternatively, open the phone app
dial *#*#4636#*#* and select phone info
scroll down and set it to WCDMA only.
does the same thing but saves installing an app.

rhedgehog said:
alternatively, open the phone app
dial *#*#4636#*#* and select phone info
scroll down and set it to WCDMA only.
does the same thing but saves installing an app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
holy monkey! im going to try this!!! do i have to di it everytime i turn the phone of or is it permanent?

orouborus said:
that is what i hate about hero, it is really great except for the fact that it switches from 2g to 3g without notice. i want it to be permanently stuck in 3g for faster downloads and mms, but when it uses 2g, i cant send and receive mms and surfing the web is slow as heck! im still looking for an app that would permanently put the device in 3g just like with winmo it which you can use wcdma ONLY.
cheers!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is not specific to the Hero. The fact is, every carrier's 2G network has better coverage than their 3G network. When the phone cannot detect strong enough 3G signal, it jumps back to 2G network. The idea is that slow data transmission is better than no data transmission at all. Many smartphones have the option to lock the mobile network to 2G only. One advantage is that it gets better reception, and another advantage is longer battery life (the 3G chip eats battery much faster than 2G).
If you instead lock the phone to its 3G network. The first thing you will notice is that battery life is significantly shorter. And chance is that you may be getting very spotty reception, because you are not allowing to phone to switch to 2G when it gets no 3G signal. When there is no 3G signal, forcing the phone to "3G only" mode won't give you faster download, it gives you no download.

tsekh501 said:
That is not specific to the Hero. The fact is, every carrier's 2G network has better coverage than their 3G network. When the phone cannot detect strong enough 3G signal, it jumps back to 2G network. The idea is that slow data transmission is better than no data transmission at all. Many smartphones have the option to lock the mobile network to 2G only. One advantage is that it gets better reception, and another advantage is longer battery life (the 3G chip eats battery much faster than 2G).
If you instead lock the phone to its 3G network. The first thing you will notice is that battery life is significantly shorter. And chance is that you may be getting very spotty reception, because you are not allowing to phone to switch to 2G when it gets no 3G signal. When there is no 3G signal, forcing the phone to "3G only" mode won't give you faster download, it gives you no download.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
true true. i usually charge my phone everynight though. problem that i have with 2g is that i cant send and recieve mms and yeah data connection is slow. in our place 3g signal is ok. i also lock my topaz for wcdma only. but it is ok that it switches to 2g in low signal areas.
Thanks!

You actually use mms?
Wow, they do exist.

barryallott said:
You actually use mms?
Wow, they do exist.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah... mms is great. i use it to send items that i wish to purchase etc.

What NOM1 Networks are there in the UK? I only get 2g in my area (booo) and could do with an operator that works right. T-Mobile forums suggest they still have an issue

Hi
I've checked it with Hero running in PlusGSM in Poland.
Regardless if I select 2G/3G or even "WCDMA preffered/GSM Only/WCDMA only" setting the phone is not available for incoming voice calls during data transfer. Every time when I start internet connection (example: SSH session) I'm not available for incoming calls. At this site I do have both strong 2G and strong 3G networks.
I would like to mention that a few days ago I've swapped Samsung SGH-i600 (WinMo 6.0) for HTC Hero - so I'm using the same SIM card in the same network and the same place. SHG-I600 was able to perform both data transfer (on 2G) and voice (on 3G) on the same time. HTC Hero is not...
I wonder if this is 'feature by design' or a bug in software?