Database Users

Rooted Hero Is Suddenly Roaming 24/7

Okay, here's an interesting observation. Ever since I rooted my phone the other day I have noticed that my phone is roaming for both data and calls 24/7. I have reset the device several times with no luck. I didn't notice this when I first rooted it but seeing how it's been roaming for nearly 2 days I have to assume it has something to do with it. I live outside of Boston and I am in the city very day so there's no reason why I should be roaming. Has anyone experienced anything similiar to this? I am wondering if I should just unroot the device and reset the phone to default settings.

I doubt that the phone would even work if you did this but is it possible you flashed a rom that wasn't meant for your phone and included an improper radio.img? More than likely your phone wouldn't boot at all if that happened though.
I would try flashing the factory ruu and see what happens.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=559622
Make sure to get the Sprint one.

flipzmode said:
I doubt that the phone would even work if you did this but is it possible you flashed a rom that wasn't meant for your phone and included an improper radio.img? More than likely your phone wouldn't boot at all if that happened though.
I would try flashing the factory ruu and see what happens.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=559622
Make sure to get the Sprint one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I appreicate the input but I flashed the device exactly to the "tee" so I know that everything was done right. I made a recovery backup of my system file so I might just try to revert back and see if that fixes it or not. I just find it extremely weird the roaming just started out of no where.

penbralat said:
I appreicate the input but I flashed the device exactly to the "tee" so I know that everything was done right. I made a recovery backup of my system file so I might just try to revert back and see if that fixes it or not. I just find it extremely weird the roaming just started out of no where.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Everyone else that had done their phone right didn't have it roaming non-stop following the root. Not saying you did it wrong but you seem defensive about the possibility that you could have messed it up. Are you familiar with rooting phones? have you done it many times before?

benisntfunny said:
Everyone else that had done their phone right didn't have it roaming non-stop following the root. Not saying you did it wrong but you seem defensive about the possibility that you could have messed it up. Are you familiar with rooting phones? have you done it many times before?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have done this "procedure" several times over again not with just Google's OS but also with the Apple OS as well as WM devices. I also did this with another Hero with no issues so unless there was a "hiccup" during the rooting process of this one particular phone I am at a loss. Again, nothing that can't be undone I suppose but it's a pain.

Could just be something wrong with the network towers in your area. The other day I noticed I was roaming a lot in my own home where I normally get decent service. It's fine now though.

Yeah, it's probably just something with the network. You live near Boston... and isn't Boston getting 4G this November? Maybe they're working on adding it to current towers in your area. Lucky! Well, Chicago is getting it soon too, but I haven't noticed anything yet.

Incredible doesn't detect 3G

Hey all,
I got the July 27 leaked Froyo and went ahead and rooted to 2.2.
I have noticed a pretty serious buggy issue regarding the phone not detecting a 3G network so when I'm away from my wireless router, it only shows bars, no 1X or 3G.
I have two options at this point, one of which has done me no good. Perhaps someone can help me.
Option 1: Downgrade back to Android 2.1. (More on this later)
Option 2: Try and find a way to keep this version and get back on 3G.
Lemme explain: I tried placing the PB31IMG.zip on the SD card and going through recovery to return the phone to stock. Each time I attempted this, it told me the version was old and it failed. Is there a workaround on this or do I need to find a different stock ROM?
I used unrEVOked to root the phone and have not been trying to do any frivolous additions or subtractions. I just wanna be back on my 3G. Any and all help would be HIGHLY appreciated.
Thanks!

Did you try *228 and update your PRL?

Yes. It did not help.
Always have 3G coverage where I'm at too. So more than likely phone is issue unless a tower around here is down (which I highly doubt).

Toggle Airplane Mode on, then off.
JC

Sadly, toggling airplane mode has done nothing to help either.

Upgrade to the 8/1 version...see if that helps.
JC

Try shutting the phone off, then powering back on. Or possibly that combined with an airplane mode toggle. Also make sure your mobile network is on in the settings for wireless networks. This problem was common with the first leak. I have not had it happen since switching to the second leak of 2.2.

Considering the missing apps and media in the 8/1 Leak would it be ok to do Sky Raider or should I just try the 8/1 Leak done by aiccucs?

ContraMan said:
Considering the missing apps and media in the 8/1 Leak would it be ok to do Sky Raider or should I just try the 8/1 Leak done by aiccucs?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe mrozzeh also gave a link to the full version of the 8/1 leak, if you are concerned about missing apps/media...

Doing that update has not helped me.
I guess I'll have to go down to 2.1 again. However, as I said, it won't load the PB31IMG.zip. It says the file is old. Any ideas?

Stupid question....you did upgrade the radio right?

Yes. Radio is the 2.x baseband.
I would be VERY finicky to update that again as I do NOT want to brick my phone.

Ok, it seems I have found a bit of the issue that is causing it. My phone number and IMSI are not detected as my current phone number. Is there a way to program this or is it an issue where I'll have to have it reprogrammed by the local Verizon rep?

ContraMan said:
Ok, it seems I have found a bit of the issue that is causing it. My phone number and IMSI are not detected as my current phone number. Is there a way to program this or is it an issue where I'll have to have it reprogrammed by the local Verizon rep?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
try a *228 and option 1 so the phone is reprogrammed. then do a test call to your vm(*86) and make sure it connects, you should not see the 3G symbol, when you end the call, the 3G should be displayed...give it a whirl

This did not work. There has to be a way to program the phone number into the phone. Any ideas?

i've been having this same issue... messing with airplane mode and rebooting a few times got it to fix... *228 and option 2 worked sometimes. just loaded up Adryns new evo hybrid rom, working fine so far (the problem was rare, maybe twice a day tops) and did *228 1, we shall see!

To no avail on these. I think I'm going to have to see a rep tomorrow and see if we can get the phone number (my actual phone number) programmed back into the phone. I think that's a VZW thing as I'm sure they won't run me through the methods to program a phone number.
I hate that I have to go back to Big Red over this, but it is important for me to have this phone up and running. Besides internet, I have NO other form of contact.

3g issue
I had the same problem and so have many others, I flashed Skyraider Rom and problem is gone so we know its not a buggy radio, I don't think there is a fix right now, but I've never seen a Rom so stable as the new Skyraider, so you might wanna think about flashing that Rom.

Coincidence. I've heard the same with my roms, from both ends of the spectrum. Its for sure a buggy radio, and how it interacts with Froyo. Once we get a 100% Froyo ready radio, I doubt we will ever hear about the issue again.

This is the first I've heard of someone not being able to get the 3G connection back at all. Is that what you are describing? I had it not turn on, then come back after a *228/2 or power cycle - but it always came back on. Just curious but are you on an Alltel plan by chance?
Can you make calls Contra? Did you pay your phone bill?? Are you wiping all data before flashing? Try the full second leak that they added to that post. I've been using it and haven't had the 3G drop in two days now. I just took that rom and removed a handful of apps I would never use. It's working quite well.

[Q] No more 1X data after playing in the hidden menus

I was playing around with this and, beyond changing the GPS settings and the navigation volume, I didn't change anything, just browsing.
Well, my phone rebooted a few times while in the ##DATA# section, even though nothing changed (that I am aware of), and now my phone no longer has 1X data, so my data goes away unless I have 3G.
Does anyone know what I may have changed that broke this? I haven't touched any settings in the main phone, as it happened while I was looking around in the secret menus.
Is there a way to restore all of the settings to default if all else fails? I tried doing the *228 option 1 programming, but to no avail. Still no 1X data.
-------------------
UPDATE: For those reading this thread because you have also lost data connectivity, I have solved my issue.
By a recommendation from the IRC channel, I activated a different phone (any phone will do, even a dumb phone), waited a while (I waited a day, just to be safe, but I don't think any delay is needed), then reactivated my Fascinate again. Once I rebooted after activation, the data was all back to normal again. No issues.
Keep in mind, you MUST do a new activation, not simply a *228 opt 1 while the phone is currently activated, as this does not seem to reactivate the data. It must be a new device activation (coming from a different device)
Hope this helps someone avoid the stress I went through.

Bump because this sucks.

Need help from devs!
+1 bump!
This is a serious issue as a result of people releasing the "secret codes" with no explanation of what each menu option does.
I, too, am experiencing intermittent data connectivity as a result of tinkering where I shouldn't have been. The OP and I are not holding anyone liable, but just asking for expert help to get our phones back in original working order. I really don't want to call Verizon, risking this becoming an insurance claim which requires a $150 deductable. I could drop Big Red and get an Epic or Evo with that money (contract is up in a couple weeks).
My problem is that the data connection seems to be going into an on-demand state, but when that demand is present, the connection will drop. If I wake the phone (press the power button to turn on the display and unlock), a 3G connection is present. However, if I try to start browsing the web, for example, the connection will drop completely within 1-2 minutes.
I've tried changing the "Set preferred network type" option (found in *#4636*1111# > Phone Information) to every logical option - WCDMA Preferred, CDMA auto (PRL), CDMA only, EvDO only, etc - to no avail. Looking at this menu right now, the preferred network is set to "Unknown". When I toggle the radio on/off from this screen, the "GSM disconnects" active log takes a few minutes to connect, and I see packet traffic. But, again, when I attempt to use that data connection, it will drop completely in short time. I've done everything I can think of, short of a full Odin restore.
Surely XDA has some cellular experts here - maybe even Verizon network techs - that know how to fix this.

i disagree with your first line. this is a n issua as a result of people who dont know what they are doing. not because it was leaked. if you dont know how to mess with your phones. dont. and if u do and screw up, dont blame anyone but yourself

Thanks for the not helpful reply. Argue in your own thread. I need help, not a finger pointing lecture.
Unless you know what caused my issue, you are just as ignorant as I am. The difference being I didn't climb on a soapbox about it.
Sent from my SCH-I500

lowkee said:
Thanks for the not helpful reply. Argue in your own thread. I need help, not a finger pointing lecture.
Unless you know what caused my issue, you are just as ignorant as I am. The difference being I didn't climb on a soapbox about it.
Sent from my SCH-I500
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm in the same boat, lowkee. I'm just frustrated because I've posted this issue in 2 different forums and no one tries to help.
Just like you, I only changed the GPS Startup Mode to "cold" and looked around at other things - I touched nothing else. Last time I checked the GPS setting, it was back to "hot".
My intent was not to start a flame war or hijack your post. I was only trying to explain what I troubleshooting I've done in hopes that it may help you and, more importantly, get a response from someone who knows this topic front to back.
The response I got is the reason why my post count is only 2 (now). These days you can't go into any forum without risking backlash or flaming.
Back to the topic at hand - does anyone have any helpful suggestions for the OP? I'm just going to do a stock Odin restore and read up.

Let me know if that ODIN restore (and which part of it) fixes the issue. I have a suspicion it won't, and if it doesn't, I'm really worried.
Wiping is not an issue; I don't want to have to wipe for no benefit, though. Thanks for being the test subject

Ok. So I actually had to use the "force close loop" restoration method, including manual voodoo removal even though it should have been removed before - I never reapplied it. Data is staying up... nope, just dropped again. I'm really starting to hate this phone.
Here we go again... baseband version is the DI01 update, but build number is DH12. Removing root and going to try OTA update, IF data will stay connected long enough...
That DInc in my desk drawer is starting to look better every day. It's even one of the first batches that had the (AM?)OLED screens AND it has Froyo!

I hate to start typing this, but I believe I've fixed my issue. Here's what I've done so far (in order):
Removed Voodoo lagfix manually.
Wiped System via stock recovery.
Wiped system/cache/Dalvik cache via Clockwork Recovery.
Flashed stock system partition via Odin w/ PIT loaded.
Flashed stock kernel via Odin w/ PIT loaded.
Followed steps from the post "How to Escape the Force Close Loop of Hell" on AndroidCentral forums (sorry, can't post links yet).
Once fresh ROM loaded, installed CWM, fixed permissions & reboot.
Loaded the latest JT stable kernel.
Installed latest JT CleanROM.
And, of course, while I was typing this post, it dropped data connection when browsing the web, but not during the first time setup when Google Sync was processing. Very odd, but I'm now at a point where I feel I can troubleshoot further. Not going to install any unnecessary apps until I get this fixed. The SpeedTest.net app is good to test your connectivity - data immediately drops when I run it.
Also keep in mind that when I say that the data connection drops, I mean the 3G icon itself completely disappears and I get a network error. So back to the drawing board.

This is what i have had to do to correct 99% of all my issues ... results may vary and I base this off my own personal experiences:
To undo any changes that the hidden menu would have changed, I did a "factory data reset" from within the privacy options. Not from clockwork and not from teh original "-Vol and power". Neither clockwork or stock data and cache wipe clean out dbdata. It has to be done within the system options. Those of you not able to add new gmail accounts and super sekr3t phone code problems need to wipe dbdata via this method. Odin backups only restore kernel, recovery and system. dbdata remains untouched and contains these configurations. Ever wonder why after a clockwork wipe, it still remembers your gps options after you selected english and proceeded to configure? Hope this helps.

I'll give that a shot now, but doesn't the manual method to remove voodoo wipe /dbdata?
BTW, I had to perform the wipes from stock and CWM recovery because the system was stuck in a force close loop.
EDIT: So I did the factory data reset from within the OS and as soon as I try to open the browser, the network connection drops off. Time to call CS for a replacement. :-/
OP: As long as you haven't tinkered with funky ROMs or lag fixes, I bet this will solve your problem. Like you said, a wipe can't hurt anything but convenience.

jokerls240 said:
EDIT: So I did the factory data reset from within the OS and as soon as I try to open the browser, the network connection drops off. Time to call CS for a replacement. :-/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well ... crap ... So much for me posting something useful for once

zeiroe said:
well ... crap ... So much for me posting something useful for once
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The help doesn't go unappreciated. I've just played with too much experimental stuff, thinking XDA has never let me down. I'm glad you stepped up with a logical suggestion!
Let's just hope this works for the OP.

Thanks guys for trying so many methods. I have a feeling the unreachable phone firmware is storing this data, which means it may not have a reset at all. Some guy in a cubicle somewhere has a document which shows all of those settings.. we need to kidnap that guy.
Seriously, though, this may require a phone replacement if we cannot get someone to tell us what setting controls 1X enabling and tell us the value it needs to be set at.
The conspiracy theorist in me wonders if this was intentionally done by the factory (or Verizon) to detect tampering. Say, you always have to change X value to Y when entering a certain menu or the configuration goes pear shaped. If I were trying to detect phone hackers, this would be my method of detection/prevention. I'm evil like that >

jokerls240 said:
I really don't want to call Verizon, risking this becoming an insurance claim which requires a $150 deductable. I could drop Big Red and get an Epic or Evo with that money (contract is up in a couple weeks).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The deductible for an advanced device is $89, not $150

This is beyond awful. Now I don't have 3g OR 1x data. I'm using Wifi right now to make this post.
There must be a way to fix this!
Sent from my SCH-I500

If you restore default this settings will go back to default too
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

Also you can use oddin to restore the stock kernel and software
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

I think its funny that people havent done a FACTORY RESET before posting here. Then they post they don't want to do one because they will lose all their data. Big wow, back it up, do a reset, restore and boom alls good.

martouf13 said:
I think its funny that people havent done a FACTORY RESET before posting here. Then they post they don't want to do one because they will lose all their data. Big wow, back it up, do a reset, restore and boom alls good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you really think a factory reset messes with radio settings?
Interesting.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using XDA App

regaining data connection

Hi guys,
I tried to do a search but didn't find anything that worked...
I've been recently losing my 3g/1x data connection a lot for long periods of time (30 min or more). It's annoying since I can't check my e-mail, or listen to Pandora, basically all the things I got this phone for since I'm limited to what I can do on my computer at work.
Anyway, is there a bizarro fix for this? I've tried rebooting the phone, airplane mode on/off, and updating my profile. I remember with my old medium intelligence phone I could tell it to check my e-mail or something and trick it into waking up the data but no such luck as the phone complacently accepts there's a connection error.
Thanks in advance!

You may want to try letting folks know if you are running stock or a custom rom, which one it is and what modem version. Whenever I run into strange issues with my phone that isn't attributed to the rom I'm running, I just ODiN back and reflash through the process and that usually takes care of most problems. G'luck.

I have noticed mine does that too occasionally. Turning 4g on and then back off usually makes 3g start working again for me.
In my case my phone sometimes has trouble finding 3g after using wifi for a while, toggling 4g almost always makes 3g work again.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Oh right! I'm just on the stock rom.
Toggling 4g and wifi doesn't work for me. Thanks for the suggestion though.
It happens more at work so it probably has something to do with that. I generally always end up roaming but I haven't had trouble in the past with using roaming data. It still says unlimited on the Sprint account website and will come back every once and a while. (I know because it'll notify me of new mail or something random.)

are you in an area of low reception? that could cause it but not sure if there is a work around for it...

this same thing happens to my wife's epic.but not regularly..
I updated the prl and seems to stopped doing it,,

I was having the same issue coming out of Airplane mode. The 3G was coming back sporadically and then not at all. I called Sprint support and they had me do a phone Restore through the service menu ##3282# (you need your MSL) and it reset the phone like it was going through the activation process. It wasn't a factory reset so I didn't have to reinstall any apps. It did work the first time but after that it started happening again.
I finally went into the Sprint store and they did a hard reset, which is the same as a factory reset (I think) Settings>Privacy>Factory Data Reset. That was a couple of days ago and I haven't had the problem since.
Unfortunately, this requires completely wiping out your installed apps. I was on the stock rom and unrooted so I hadn't backed up with Titanium Backup (needs root). But I did use AppBak to backup my list of apps so that it was easier to restore them from the Market. If anyone knows a way to backup and restore similar to Titanium, that doesn't require root, let me know.

I was having the same problem with mine and nothing worked so they gave me another one. If it's that bad call sprint tech or take it they will probably give you another one

dennistpm said:
... If anyone knows a way to backup and restore similar to Titanium, that doesn't require root, let me know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use "Sprite Mechanic" for backing up my APK's to SD card. It only recognizes market and 3rd party installed apps. Can be found in the market for free.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Nexus S total network loss.

So my girlfriend's Nexus S has been losing the entire voice and data network and going into no service mode, no biggie at first, just cycle airplane mode, then it went on to rebooting because you would select airplane mode from the power off menu but it would not check the box in the wireless settings menu.
After the reboot the box would show checked and airplane mode could be disabled and the service would resume. The the phone started getting stuck in airplane mode and not even rebooting it would bring it out the first few times, then it got to the point of resetting the phone, a wipe cache/data reset didn't fixed it. So off to T-Mobile for a new sim card. Rebooted the network immediately. And as of last night its back in full force and now not even a new sim will resurrect the network.
Have tried wiping, reflashing stock 2.3.3, new sim again, multiple resets, had to get an toggle widget to get it out of airplane mode and still a dead network, all this time the network in the *#*#4636#*#* menu showing unknown and is not able to be changed and reverts back to unknown immediately, OEM specifics settings button is greyed out and you are not able to disable the radio either.
While I'm going to call Samsung on Monday and I guess send the phone off, I worry about mine because it too does it but only once a month or so, but I do constantly have issues resurrecting the phone from airplane mode at times because the box will not be checked in the wireless settings menu but I can see the airplane instead of network bars, problem persists with reboots sometimes.
I also would like to add that even when the box is not checked in the wireless settings menu for airplane mode, if you click it it just hangs forever and will try to select but never will and stays grey like its turning everything off, but if the scren goes off its like you never tried.
Has anyone else seen this? I have seen a lot of people with data network issues or having to reboot to get voice network back but nothing as bad as I'm experiencing.
Both our phones are and have been completely stock and unmodified.
Thankfully we still have her Vibrant and in case I need to send mine in my Nexus One.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App

Have you tried restoring from another persons' pre-made nandroid backup?
This over-writes the radio firmware, you should give it a go!
I also found that I had problems on 2.3.3, however reverting to 2.3.2 gave me no problems!
Just contact me if you need any help restoring from a nandroid backup or finding the 2.3.2 backup files

cdaly985 said:
Have you tried restoring from another persons' pre-made nandroid backup?
This over-writes the radio firmware, you should give it a go!
I also found that I had problems on 2.3.3, however reverting to 2.3.2 gave me no problems!
Just contact me if you need any help restoring from a nandroid backup or finding the 2.3.2 backup files
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that true? I am just on the verge of calling samsung. My phone won't connect to or display any available networks, and is pretty much now dumbed down to a small tablet. I've tried everything except another persons nandroid backup. I've been told to stay away from flashing another persons... but I'm really desperate.
If you could provide me with a backup, that would be awesome.

I'm having identical problem.
It was working fine yesterday, look back to it and now it's got no mobile network, nothing. Just the no bars and cross symbol. I've tried wiping dalvik cache, reflashing the radio, wiping data/factory reset, reflashing the rom, restoring with a backup (Backup of when I first rooted the phone) and still no signal. Nothing has worked..
Anyone got ideas on how to fix this issue?

Gawthorne said:
I'm having identical problem.
It was working fine yesterday, look back to it and now it's got no mobile network, nothing. Just the no bars and cross symbol. I've tried wiping dalvik cache, reflashing the radio, wiping data/factory reset, reflashing the rom, restoring with a backup (Backup of when I first rooted the phone) and still no signal. Nothing has worked..
Anyone got ideas on how to fix this issue?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you search for and view available networks?

This sounds like the CM7 powerwidget problem (3g/2g) I used it and I loss all network, phone process will crash every second, however if your phones are stock I can't think in anything causing it.
For CM7 you'll have to reflash and delete userdata or edit the sql database for the providers and change a value to 0, but you need root.
When I went to *#*4636.... my preferred service was "unknown" too, but now it is OK.

Try to dail:
*#*#4636#*#*
and find your network information.

ketchup539 said:
Can you search for and view available networks?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. Sits their 'searching' but nothing shows up.
In, *#*#4636#*#*, it gives little to no information. Just says nothing for current network and for GSM disconnects it has,
Sate: DvInactiveState
disconnected with last try
at 9:59AM
fail because No Error
And that time never changes, stays at 9:59AM.
As my above post suggested, I've tried doing a factory reset and reflashing. I don't think I use CM.. I flashed with Oxygen 2.1.6 (using it's kernel) but I restored to Oxygen rom and trinity kernel after it didn't work.

Gawthorne said:
Nope. Sits their 'searching' but nothing shows up.
In, *#*#4636#*#*, it gives little to no information. Just says nothing for current network and for GSM disconnects it has,
Sate: DvInactiveState
disconnected with last try
at 9:59AM
fail because No Error
And that time never changes, stays at 9:59AM.
As my above post suggested, I've tried doing a factory reset and reflashing. I don't think I use CM.. I flashed with Oxygen 2.1.6 (using it's kernel) but I restored to Oxygen rom and trinity kernel after it didn't work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the EXACT same problem I have. I too was using Oxygen 2.1.6 and lost all connectivity. I've just locked my bootloader and flashed back to stock ready to send for repairs. That rom must be doing something >.>

Oh no
I didn't want to send it back D:
Anyone got some suggestions that I haven't tried?

Gawthorne said:
Oh no
I didn't want to send it back D:
Anyone got some suggestions that I haven't tried?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been trying *everything* for last past few days. Nothing is working. That shouldn't stop you from trying though. Just stay well away from ODIN and those i9023 files, I've seen bad things.

ketchup539 said:
I've been trying *everything* for last past few days. Nothing is working. That shouldn't stop you from trying though. Just stay well away from ODIN and those i9023 files, I've seen bad things.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cheers, going to a mates place soon to see if he has anything up his sleeves to try and fix this annoying issue..
If we somehow fix it, I'll be sure to post how we did here.

Gawthorne said:
Cheers, going to a mates place soon to see if he has anything up his sleeves to try and fix this annoying issue..
If we somehow fix it, I'll be sure to post how we did here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok, it'd be great if you worked something out. I'm so glad i'm not the only person with this issue!

Anyone had any breakthroughs? *hopeful*

I wouldn't call it a breakthrough but I got somewhere!
Ended up putting a extremely thin piece of wire into the external antenna port at the back of the phone. Wasn't too keen on doing this, but my phone now has reception isn't stuck at the dreaded -113dbm.
The reception isn't good, but it's enough to send texts and have calls.
Although the area needs quite good reception for me to receive anything, and it's extremely sensitive. To get 3 bars in a place where I usually get full bars, I have to be outside. While inside it's reduced to none or 1 bar, which is enough to send/receive texts and a sort of lagging phone call (did a few tests). As mentioned before extremely sensitive. The phone seems to like it better when it's up-right. In the middle of the CBD at Brisbane I get full reception and 3G, which is fine but in the places where you usually get 2 bars, you get no signal at all, unless you're outside.
So this is hardly a fix. I will most likely be sending it to Samsung to get it actually fixed. Either that or get it fixed the same day and pay probably close to $100 so I don't have to wait 2 months waiting for Samsung to twiddle their thumbs.

Thats awesome! But I'm going to post mine off to Samsung USA tomorrow, which will take forever considering international shipping. Where could you get it fixed same-day? I'm going to try this wire thing

So it can't be a software issue, but maybe the rom overloaded the antenna and fried it or something? I'm glad we've got that far.

I've seen that nexus s has a problem like the iphone, the antenna gate. Try take the phone with the left hand looking to no touch the rear of the softkeys
Inviato dal mio Nexus S usando Tapatalk

RcrdBrt said:
I've seen that nexus s has a problem like the iphone, the antenna gate. Try take the phone with the left hand looking to no touch the rear of the softkeys
Inviato dal mio Nexus S usando Tapatalk
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Its more serious than that my friend! Thanks anyway

I got a quote from a place in Brissy called "FixMyMobile" and they said if they can fix it, it will cost $99. Although I'll get quotes from different places (if I find them) and see what they charge however I don't think I will be able to get cheaper, most likely around the same price..
So I may do that to not wait the ridiculous time it will take to get it back from Samsung.. Not sure on places in NZ though.
Yeah it seems like a hardware issue definitely. I eventually reverted the phone back to stock everything and it still happened, so that there shouts hardware issue.