Database Users

Switching from 3G to 2G giving me better reception? or is it just me?

T-Mobile in my area is shown as the best they have on their coverage map, but my calls always get dropped
I'm still under my 30 days and I want them to somehow boost up my reception because I seriously want to keep the HD2.
It might just be me, but when I turn off my 3G signal, my 2G coverage is almost perfect, but I still get occasional dropped calls. Is it just me?
And also, do any of those signal booster stickers work? Should I try foil?
I am open to all comment and suggestions..thanks

i usually leave my phone on GSM (2g) through the band properties because it saves battery, and yes i do get more bars. in some locations my 3g or H connection is just as strong.
Not sure about boosters, i heard that the antenna is located at the base of the phone though.

stickers are a scam.
I can't believe those stickers are still available.
Dropped Calls are almost inevitable with today's technology.
2G and 3G coverage are different. if you have trouble with 3G at your location, simply turn it off in order to ensure a stronger connection and more stability during phone calls.

where do you turn off your 3G on a stock HD2?

adamhlj said:
where do you turn off your 3G on a stock HD2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
settings-->wireless controls-->click phone(not on/off)-->band-->choose gsm

Tmobile is still rolling out it's 3g coverage, so it makes sense that their 3g is not nearly as available as 2g.
Furthermore, Tmobile's 2G frequencies are lower than 3G so they penetrate better.

Svegetto said:
Tmobile is still rolling out it's 3g coverage, so it makes sense that their 3g is not nearly as available as 2g.
Furthermore, Tmobile's 2G frequencies are lower than 3G so they penetrate better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lawl.....I am so tempted to use the internet meme here but.....ah well.

Svegetto said:
Furthermore, Tmobile's 2G frequencies are lower than 3G so they penetrate better.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Could you elaborate on that? Curious about the science behind "higher" and "lower" frequency penetration on the different bands...

htc707 said:
T-Mobile in my area is shown as the best they have on their coverage map, but my calls always get dropped
I'm still under my 30 days and I want them to somehow boost up my reception because I seriously want to keep the HD2.
It might just be me, but when I turn off my 3G signal, my 2G coverage is almost perfect, but I still get occasional dropped calls. Is it just me?
And also, do any of those signal booster stickers work? Should I try foil?
I am open to all comment and suggestions..thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Call them and tell them your problem. T-Mobile's help desk has always been amazing for me and perhaps they know something that you don't.
If all else fails, you can use the call to drop your contract without penalties. I'd much rather have an older phone that works than a new one that doesn't!

Snarksneeze said:
Could you elaborate on that? Curious about the science behind "higher" and "lower" frequency penetration on the different bands...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's just the basic physics of RF signals...the lower the frequency, the higher the penetration capability (as a general rule of thumb). Same generally holds true for sound frequencies as well.

I don't get dropped calls at all on T-Mobile here in NY (AT&T is a different story).
However, especially indoros, 2G signal is generally stronger than 3G.

Snarksneeze said:
Could you elaborate on that? Curious about the science behind "higher" and "lower" frequency penetration on the different bands...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to give you some very simple insight (you can always google it if you'd like detail explanation; it's actually quite simple, I just don't want to have to type all of it). In simplest terms, Tmobile 3g runs on 1700 and 2100 which is much higher then its 2g which runs on 850. Lower frequencies don't go as far, but have better penetration.
If you'd like another way to think about it, think of when you hear someone playing music from a good stereo system in a building. You'll likely only be able to hear/feel the bass because it's able to penetrate the walls and you won't hear the the actual lyrics/treble because that's higher frequencies.
Hope this helps

T-Mobile 2G runs on PCS, always has and always will.
The reason for 3G not being as strong can be a number of things, the reception on the HD2 really doesn't seem to be good and the 3G network buildout is incomplete at the moment as mentioned before in this thread.

gsvnet said:
I don't get dropped calls at all on T-Mobile here in NY (AT&T is a different story).
However, especially indoros, 2G signal is generally stronger than 3G.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've only dropped calls when in my poor reception apartment. It seems to be worse at keeping a signal than my HTC Dream.
However it still bugs me that the HD2 doesn't scan or update quick enough when I exit the metro. It might say I have full 3g, but it won't let me call for a few minutes. Sometimes it will decide to disconnect from the signal and reconnect even when I haven't moved to a weaker area and it's still full 3g bars. I'm also in NYC/Manhattan.

update
The data services with this phone are also going under maintenance soon, basically the software of the phone has a defect within the radio, HTC is releasing an update on May 17th to help fix this, you might see some luck having a better connection this way, but everyone is right about the different types of signals, the fact lies that there are 2 towers for each spot, the 2G network is more established where the 3G towers might not have as good of a penetration because they use a higher frequency.

Confirmation
My apartment has terrible reception. My signal will go out for about 5 mins then come back with only 1-2 bars. I turned off 3G and now my 2G signal remains around 1-3 bars with no blackouts so far (3 days).
Its just a minor hassle to remember to switch back to 3G when I go out.

firedragon64 said:
The data services with this phone are also going under maintenance soon, basically the software of the phone has a defect within the radio, HTC is releasing an update on May 17th to help fix this, you might see some luck having a better connection this way, but everyone is right about the different types of signals, the fact lies that there are 2 towers for each spot, the 2G network is more established where the 3G towers might not have as good of a penetration because they use a higher frequency.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where did you find this out? I really want an update, the hardware is great, but the phone quality is horrible sometimes due to all my daily location (and reception) changes.

aceo07 said:
Where did you find this out? I really want an update, the hardware is great, but the phone quality is horrible sometimes due to all my daily location (and reception) changes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
This would be great news if it's true (and actually addresses the issues)....has the date (or even the release itself) been substantiated at all?

stop going from 3g/HSPA/3.5g/"4g" to Edge

I don't think this was working before the update, but now u can enter the
*#*#4636#*#* command and select WCDMA only to stay on 3/3.5g.
And before anyone asks
WCDMA only means 3g and 3.5g which means if your signal is strong enough, HSPA+/4g

Im just curious where do u enter that code?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

sundar2012 said:
I don't think this was working before the update, but now u can enter the
*#*#4636#*#* command and select WCDMA only to stay on 3/3.5g.
And before anyone asks
WCDMA only means 3g and 3.5g which means if your signal is strong enough, HSPA+/4g
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
in that case, shouldn't it be WCDMA Preferred?.... if you end up in a EDGE... only area...?
also... I thought GSM Auto PRL.... was the best option...

G1rome said:
Im just curious where do u enter that code?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dialer.
(ten char).

it worked before the update...
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Fair warning... this move will impact your battery life heavily.

gsm auto prl can save u a bit of battery life but usually prefers edge if the 3g signal isn't strong enough.
Wcdma only wont allow for a 3g to edge fluctuation. It will force 3g. Problem is, if your in an area with poor coverage it'll be either 3g or nothing and you may find yourself with no connection at all since the phone wont bring u to edge.
Wcdma preffered is like the opposite of gsm auto prl. It will prefer 3g.

sheek360 said:
gsm auto prl can save u a bit of battery life but usually prefers edge if the 3g signal isn't strong enough.
Wcdma only wont allow for a 3g to edge fluctuation. It will force 3g. Problem is, if your in an area with poor coverage it'll be either 3g or nothing and you may find yourself with no connection at all since the phone wont bring u to edge.
Wcdma preffered is like the opposite of gsm auto prl. It will prefer 3g.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks sheek, I guess my best bet would be to good with WCDMA preferred, since reception is shaky in my area...

I think this might be better since it will waste less energy capturing a weak edge signal in a weak area.

working so far. ill report bat life in due time. i cant see how it would really affect it. i hate when my g2 hits edge. if by not using it because of edge saves battery then im fine with a dying battery. i have spares and extended bats anyway
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

funkadesi said:
Thanks sheek, I guess my best bet would be to good with WCDMA preferred, since reception is shaky in my area...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. That's exactly what I do too.
I have a friend who lives in Philly; one of the best tmobile footprints exist in this city. Wcdma only and wcdma prefer netted no gains or losses except when he crossed and passed Camden new jersey.

Or search "radioinfo" in the market and get the app named network that pops up in the search.
Sent from my T-Mob G2

sheek360 said:
gsm auto prl can save u a bit of battery life but usually prefers edge if the 3g signal isn't strong enough.
Wcdma only wont allow for a 3g to edge fluctuation. It will force 3g. Problem is, if your in an area with poor coverage it'll be either 3g or nothing and you may find yourself with no connection at all since the phone wont bring u to edge.
Wcdma preffered is like the opposite of gsm auto prl. It will prefer 3g.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not the only difference between the modes.
WCDMA Only will only lock in the 3G signals and switch over if there is no more signal for 3G reception.
-Only use this if you're in a metropolitan area or are covered in abundant 3G signals.
WCDMA Preferred will drain more battery, the reason being that it'll scan the airwaves constantly in search of better 3G signals. You are right about it having a wider 3G signal threshold.
-Use this if you're in a 3G abundant city but not where if you're noticing frequently 3G to E switching as it'll adversely kill your battery.
GSM Auto PRL will shrink the threshold for 3G signals as well as less frequent scans for better signal. Generally E to 3G/H transitions happens on 1.5 to 2 bars of 3G signal, but the phone will remain on 3G unless there is an EDGE signal that is better and thus may provide better data transfer speeds or if 3G/H signal is gone.
-Benefits for battery life but not great when better signal is a necessary. Would not recommend this mode if signal is scattered.
As you can tell from my city in my sig, I have a choice between the three, I went with GSM Auto PRL due to battery life being of importance to me as I'm not necessarily next to a tap in 8 hour gaps.
Hope this helps better than my original post.

dragginblazer said:
Or search "radioinfo" in the market and get the app named network that pops up in the search.
Sent from my T-Mob G2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or the "Network" app.

xmasguy said:
it worked before the update...
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
confirmed xxxxxxx

I have never even touched an HSPA+ connection and I live in an area where it's apparently abundant.
Switched SIMs for a newer one and still nothing. I was told to wait for the 2nd OTA that's coming out by the 8th (And I'm still calling BS on that)
Why in the hell would they push out 2 different OTA's in 1 week for a single device?

I'm hesitant to do this because I don't know if it is my phone being flakey or the actual area. According to TMobile's data coverage website I am in the middle of a massive solid high speed zone... but I constantly flake to Edge.
I don't want to change this setting and it cut out on me entirely, that it may be the actual area. But I guess all I can do is try :shrug:

The one thing I've noticed about the phone is that signal drops when holding it to use the keyboard, if this information's any help.

I found I was hemhoragging battery at some point with 50% no signal according to cell standby. But it wasn't caused by selecting WCDMA only - i am bathed in hspa/umta. Instead I turned on airplane mode while plugged in, waited a bit, then off, then unplugged. Then restarted phone to recovery (clockwork), wiped battery stats, and restarted. Running fine now.

Anyway to get a better signal indoors?

This is my first phone with T-Mobile and I discovered that the when I'm indoors anywhere, my signal drops down to 1 bar and to no bars at time. Eespecially when I go into my basement, I get no service at all. But when I go outside I get about 3-4 bars.
Do anyone know of any ideas on how to get better signal when indoors, signal boosters etc?
Have anyone used any type of signal boosters and if so which one and did they solve your issue?

That's T-Mobile. I get the service for free otherwise id never use it.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

cpcrazyfly said:
That's T-Mobile. I get the service for free otherwise id never use it.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to get rid of it but I like the phone itself a lil too much . I'm going to call them up to see if they recommend something.
I have an Evo too and my wife has a Optimus with Sprint. I know one time I called Sprint to complain about a problem on my line, they sent me this device..that's similar to that of a router and makes you have a better signal at home. They even waived the monthly price for it. I really didn't need it because my signal was great already...so I sent it back.
But I'm wondering if t-mobile has a similar device.

Nothing you can do because t-mobile's 3g frequencies have poor building penetration compared to lower bands such as ATT 850mHz 3g. A repeater or micro cell is the only option, and I'm not sure t-mobile has those. Verizon and ATT sell them I know.

RogerPodacter said:
Nothing you can do because t-mobile's 3g frequencies have poor building penetration compared to lower bands such as ATT 850mHz 3g. A repeater or micro cell is the only option, and I'm not sure t-mobile has those. Verizon and ATT sell them I know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh ok...thanks for helping me out.
So does T-mobile have poor building penetration everywhere or is it a very isolated problem.

Tmobile is coming out with repeater router thingies in 3g/4g flavors soon

RogerPodacter said:
Nothing you can do because t-mobile's 3g frequencies have poor building penetration compared to lower bands such as ATT 850mHz 3g. A repeater or micro cell is the only option, and I'm not sure t-mobile has those. Verizon and ATT sell them I know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
slowz3r said:
Tmobile is coming out with repeater router thingies in 3g/4g flavors soon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get a multi-band repeater that will at least less voice calls come inside (GSM bands), and EDGE data will come as well on those, but I've only seen one current option that supports T-Mobile's 1700/2100 AWS service, and it isn't cheap ($450).
I purchased one for about $250 with voice support only (on T-Mo), just go to Amazon and search on cellular repeater, you'll see plenty of options.
Since where ever you are that you would be able to install one of these you most likely have WiFi for data anyways, not sure it's worth a premium to get the AWS service, unless you're using the phone to replace cable/dsl data lines.

plmiller0905 said:
Oh ok...thanks for helping me out.
So does T-mobile have poor building penetration everywhere or is it a very isolated problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well their entire 3g network uses frequencies with poor building penetration. But I'm sure some areas they build towers close enough together to reduce this problem. But we know how hard it is getting towers up as it is.
A rough estimate shows that twice as many towers are needed to match the same performance of a lower band frequency. Example 1900 could need twice the amount of towers to provide the same coverage as 850mHz. Makes it difficult for carriers like t-mobile, who use high bands 1700/2100, to provide good indoor coverage without repeaters everywhere.

HSPA+: Better than LTE?

In my opinion - T-mobile's faux 4g (HSPA+) is better (and I suppose AT&T has it as well, but AT&T sucks ) than LTE 4G, but I would like to know what you all think?
This thread is for the amiable placement of our opinions! I personally think that HSPA+ style technology is where the industry should be headed, but would like to hear other opinions!
I've put up my reasons for HSPA+ and will add reasons for both HSPA+ and LTE/real 4g as people weigh in. I'll try to give credit when I can to the original poster. So far, as I am a fan of HSPA+, I have no reasons for LTE/real 4g yet! I might get this moved to the Android General section eventually, as I think it would be interesting to see the overall viewpoint of the XDA Community!
Yes, I know that this might attract trolls/flaming, but lets all try something - don't feed them! Ignore them completely. This strategy has proven to work quite effectively. I think we could all get some insight from a good thread like this.
______________________________________________________________
Reasons for HSPA+:
1. So much cheaper for them to put into place.
2. Speeds (on 4g networks I have used - NY, Dallas, Portland, dozens of other places) are always north of 3 mbps down and 1 mbps up, all you really need for any kind of laptop tethering, and certainly more than you ever need for netflix on your phone, and definitely way more than you need for browsing sites on your phone (good websites nowadays even with plenty of pictures are small size).
3. It doesn't suffer from the constantly low signal issues of real 4g (i.e. no signal AT ALL inside of buildings - this is what I have seen from multiple people who have traveled with me - I have 4g when they have 2x or whatever the hell edge is for them).
4. Super cheap for our provider to upgrade, passing savings on to us in the long run - in some cases, all the tower needs is a firmware upgrade. At worst, fiber optics lines are needed in order to facilitate the faster speeds needed.
5. In "real" 4g phones, you have to turn something on to access your faster speeds? Really? I know, bit hypocritical coming from a guy who has rooted his phone and flashes roms, (for the record, I've only flashed G-lite after rooting!) but I bet the average consumer doesn't realize that they have to turn it on and never uses it. With HSPA+, it might not always be really "4G" when the icon says "4G," but at least we don't have to turn anything on - we just have to be in signal range! If you really want to know, you can get a widget (or modify the good ol' framework-res.apk ).
6. Furthermore, BATTERY. Need I say more? From the numerous people who have managed to get LTE signal I have traveled with, the BATTERY DRAINS LIKE WATER OUT OF A... SOMETHING WITH A HOLE IN IT. Ridiculous. Don't know about you guys, but even when I had low signal strength HSPA+ at work all day long, my battery would fall maybe 30% over 12 hours of light use on the stock unrooted rom.
7. Also, HSPA+ has freed up a lot of the 3G network for T-mobile - it is a fact that T-Mobile's 3G is now a bit faster than before. QUALIFIER - The same would technically apply to the real 4G networks, but remember, those networks see less time as users have to activate 4G on their phones to utilize 4G and therefore free up 3G.
Reasons for LTE/Real 4G:
skinien said:
- Theoretically, can achieve speeds faster than HSPA+
- LTE bands being used by at&t and Verizon are in the 700 MHz range.
I bolded the item that I feel is most important. The battery life issue will be a draw when LTE is more mature and chipsets become more efficient. However, the only comparable HSPA+ network to LTE is T-Mobile and they operate in the 1700/2100 MHz bands. The lower the frequency, the farther the signal can travel and the better the building penetration. The fact that the signal can travel farther means that carriers can upgrade/enhance networks faster and cheaper (less tower maintenance).
If battery life and speeds are equal, I want the best signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can someone confirm that LTE does currently have better building penetration? I have not seen this happen to my friends with LTE, though my experiences certainly are not a large enough sample size. This question is raised in the question section below.
dhkr234 said:
-LTE eliminates the dual-protocol nonsense required for carrying a voice channel simultaneously with a data channel. A properly implemented LTE network will rely on VoIP services to deliver voice communications, maintaining ONLY a data network connection.
-LTE eliminates (at least it can...) the link between voice services and network provider. A proper LTE implementation will allow you to select your voice carrier separately from your data network, so you could rely 100% on, for example, google voice or voip.ms, the network provider is turned into a simple data channel.
Regarding the signal drop you mentioned in LTE, this isn't a problem with LTE, but rather a problem in the DEPLOYMENT. It does take time and money to put up the equipment and get a properly balanced network. There can also be issues regarding the utilization and availability of spectrum -- are those signal drops by chance associated with running LTE over AWS? Or are they running it on much more robust 700 MHz?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If the link between the voice service and network provider could disappear, that would be very interesting! The point was also raised that currently, because no voice runs over LTE, the 3G/2G/whatever radio has to remain constantly on in order to ensure that voice calls can be received/sent. This results in a faster drain of the battery, obviously, and may be a simple barrier to overcome.
______________________________________________________________
Questions!
The question still remains in my mind, however - is LTE (in its current state) still a huge battery hog even without both radios on at the same time? Because while I know as it matures, I'm sure radios may become more efficient - but you can only make things more efficient to a point.
dhkr234 said:
There can also be issues regarding the utilization and availability of spectrum -- are those signal drops by chance associated with running LTE over AWS? Or are they running it on much more robust 700 MHz?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
______________________________________________________________
Updates:
Some great responses here! I haven't checked back in a while but you all are putting out some really worthwhile stuff that has made me rethink things. I will keep my original opinions (should they one day change!) at the top, however, just so we have a full record of everything.
I am removing references to LTE as "Real 4G." I knew from the get-go that it was indeed not, but considering how far off that is from the cell phone market, I figured we might as well call it that. However now I am not!
I added current Questions/Updates sections.
I added some good reasons for LTE - I know these reasons have been listed more than once before, but these were put together the simplest! Keep giving your opinions, this is very useful data for people to know!

I totally agree with you, I've been tempted to move to an lte network but its all a money sucking strategy, yeah you get awesome speeds that make you drull but at the end you'll drain all that data package in what? 2 weeks if not less, since some people really download and abuse the network on their device, I rather have a steady HSDPA+ than a money/data sucking network
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using Tapatalk

Right now I'm on a wimax 4G network but sprint is going to switch to LTE soon like Verizon has and I heard the 4G is supposed to improve a lot more and cover a wider range on LTE. I'm hoping my next device will be LTE based so I can get good stong 4G coverage no matter where I go
I think LTE is only for cdma phones and HSPA is for GSM phones. I could be wrong but both Verizon and Sprint are cdma. I've used HSPA before and it's ok but nothing to really brag about. I can't really compare it to LTE because I have not owned a device that supports it yet.

sparksco said:
Right now I'm on a wimax 4G network but sprint is going to switch to LTE soon like Verizon has and I heard the 4G is supposed to improve a lot more and cover a wider range on LTE. I'm hoping my next device will be LTE based so I can get good stong 4G coverage no matter where I go
I think LTE is only for cdma phones and HSPA is for GSM phones. I could be wrong but both Verizon and Sprint are cdma. I've used HSPA before and it's ok but nothing to really brag about. I can't really compare it to LTE because I have not owned a device that supports it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nah, LTE is sim based (gsm) just like the rest. You're thinking of wcdma which is different (aka UMTS and up) but still gsm tech. CDMA/EvDo/WiMAX is a dead technology soon enough.
I agree, tmobile should just stick with HSPA+ until LTE tech is improved. They can roll it out slowly and is an easier upgrade (smaller leap than 2G to 3G) for them. It's just a costly one. I heard that they are selling their towers and leasing them back for a short term cash solution. Not sure if it's to pay off some impending debt aquired by DT or to pay for LTE upgrades for tmousa...

My suggestion is stick with HSPA+ (3.9G), skip LTE (3.9G), and go straight for LTE-Advanced (Actual 4G). Both HSPA+ and LTE are not technically 4G, they are just marketed as such. LTE is a much better network technology than HSPA+, but it's not all there yet. LTE is much more efficient in using the frequency spectrum. Also you can only do data on LTE, no voice at the moment. Not sure about LTE-Advanced features but I would assume you can do VoLTE-Advanced just how Verizon is planning VoLTE.

I will agree AND disagree with you. LTE is not directly advantageous to the end user but its benefits are passed down through the operators which will take a few years to become apparent. Its more a technical upgrade with the operators back end network and towers. I'm pretty sure we had the same thoughts when UMTS and HSPA started deployment.
LTE is a shift into a different mobile telephony architecture. LTE will be completely packet switched so in the long run, the infrastructure and tower implementation will be simpler. Using different frequencies and radio modulation, it probably wont be as simple as put an LTE base on an existing tower so it going to take a while to sort out coverage. The end users advantage comes from the more efficient spectrum use increasing capacity with better handling of devices when under heavy load. Frequency chunks are variable so operators can tweak speed / capacity depending on location or cell size. Radios will eventually mature with battery life becoming better with every generation. I have no experience with LTE so am not sure how calls / data is handled or battery life.
HSPA is a mature technology with plenty of real world experience, radio's and towers that have been tweaked over years for speed, latency and battery life. It is also relatively cheap to deploy as the back end connections already exist and the tower kit is "mass produced" shall we say. However, HSPA is quite inflexible requiring 5Mhz frequency chunks which may limit capacity in urban areas. Battery life on HSPA is achieved mainly by cheating, handsets sit idle at UMTS (3G) until data is transferred and often calls are dropped to 2G when possible.
Being from the UK, its probably going to be 2014 / 2015 until we see LTE as they are still "conducting trials" and the licences are scheduled for 2013 i think.
Please feel free to correct me or add to this, I just wanted to add my opinion to the mix.
Craig

sino8r said:
Nah, LTE is sim based (gsm) just like the rest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon is cdma, so how is lte gsm only??
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium

Spastic909 said:
Verizon is cdma, so how is lte gsm only??
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Verizon LTE phones also have CDMA chips in them. They use LTE for "4G" data and CDMA for voice and 3G data. They will be a GSM carrier once they drop 3G support and switch fully to LTE.

craiglay said:
I will agree AND disagree with you. LTE is not directly advantageous to the end user but its benefits are passed down through the operators which will take a few years to become apparent. Its more a technical upgrade with the operators back end network and towers. I'm pretty sure we had the same thoughts when UMTS and HSPA started deployment.
LTE is a shift into a different mobile telephony architecture. LTE will be completely packet switched so in the long run, the infrastructure and tower implementation will be simpler. Using different frequencies and radio modulation, it probably wont be as simple as put an LTE base on an existing tower so it going to take a while to sort out coverage. The end users advantage comes from the more efficient spectrum use increasing capacity with better handling of devices when under heavy load. Frequency chunks are variable so operators can tweak speed / capacity depending on location or cell size. Radios will eventually mature with battery life becoming better with every generation. I have no experience with LTE so am not sure how calls / data is handled or battery life.
HSPA is a mature technology with plenty of real world experience, radio's and towers that have been tweaked over years for speed, latency and battery life. It is also relatively cheap to deploy as the back end connections already exist and the tower kit is "mass produced" shall we say. However, HSPA is quite inflexible requiring 5Mhz frequency chunks which may limit capacity in urban areas. Battery life on HSPA is achieved mainly by cheating, handsets sit idle at UMTS (3G) until data is transferred and often calls are dropped to 2G when possible.
Being from the UK, its probably going to be 2014 / 2015 until we see LTE as they are still "conducting trials" and the licences are scheduled for 2013 i think.
Please feel free to correct me or add to this, I just wanted to add my opinion to the mix.
Craig
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting - you have a good point here, especially when comparing the maturity of the two types of networks. From what I've been reading here and everywhere else, "real" LTE is clearly the more advanced tech but just needs time to develop and in the long long run will be better. Hm.

craiglay said:
Battery life on HSPA is achieved mainly by cheating, handsets sit idle at UMTS (3G) until data is transferred and often calls are dropped to 2G when possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No wonder my phone hasn't been staying on full HSDPA (or HSPA+) when it's on idle and only goes on HSDPA ONLY when I'm using it and idles at UMTS when I'm not. I was wondering about that lol. Oh well knowing how HSDPA and HSPA+ is, it's probably a lot easier to transfer from HSDPA to UMTS to EDGE to GPRS than switching from LTE to 3G and 2G connection types.

I skimmed thru and someone already said it:
LTE is not "Real 4G". As of right now, a tech spec for 4G does not exist.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4G
If you consider that LTE is "Real 4G" then **** it, why talk about 4G? Lets talk about "Real 5G"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5G

LTE(not 4g):
Don't have even a good card yet,
Still is not on total.
get signal lost sometimes
Speed is great but with the signal lost...

riahc3 said:
I skimmed thru and someone already said it:
LTE is not "Real 4G". As of right now, a tech spec for 4G does not exist.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4G
If you consider that LTE is "Real 4G" then **** it, why talk about 4G? Lets talk about "Real 5G"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your 5G link don't have almost any new information.
Lets talk about what was asked in this thread.
Sent from my MadTeam Galaxy 5
using Tapatalk

riahc3 said:
I skimmed thru and someone already said it:
LTE is not "Real 4G". As of right now, a tech spec for 4G does not exist.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From the Wiki article:
However in December 2010, the ITU recognized that current versions of LTE, WiMax and other evolved 3G technologies that do not fulfill "IMT-Advanced" requirements could nevertheless be considered "4G", provided they represent forerunners to IMT-Advanced and "a substantial level of improvement in performance and capabilities with respect to the initial third generation systems now deployed.

redpoint73 said:
From the Wiki article:
However in December 2010, the ITU recognized that current versions of LTE, WiMax and other evolved 3G technologies that do not fulfill "IMT-Advanced" requirements could nevertheless be considered "4G", provided they represent forerunners to IMT-Advanced and "a substantial level of improvement in performance and capabilities with respect to the initial third generation systems now deployed.
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in othewords, it's akin to saying, "i'll let you call it 4G as long as you promise to make your technology reach the original specifications. Pinky swear k?"

mputtr said:
in othewords, it's akin to saying, "i'll let you call it 4G as long as you promise to make your technology reach the original specifications. Pinky swear k?"
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Really, there are saying "you can call it 4G as long as its better than 3G".
I agree its BS, and the ITU obviously caved to industry pressures. But based on this statement HSPA+ and WiMAX are technically "4G".

craiglay said:
Battery life on HSPA is achieved mainly by cheating, handsets sit idle at UMTS (3G) until data is transferred and often calls are dropped to 2G when possible.
Craig
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Suits me just fine - use the best available tool for the job, that's what I say! Voice calls and texts don't require a battery-sucking HSPA connection to work well

Where I live it's tmo 4g, or nothing. Literally there is no other 4g for my region. Nuff said

redpoint73 said:
Really, there are saying "you can call it 4G as long as its better than 3G".
I agree its BS, and the ITU obviously caved to industry pressures. But based on this statement HSPA+ and WiMAX are technically "4G".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yup, i was pretty annoyed when the ITU caved to corporate pressure because they needed to rebrand 3G into something new...
Oh well.. I still call today's 4G standards as FauxG. probably wont consider it 4g until they meet the original requirements.

I just have really one question on this hspa+ <> 4G etc. I read that t-mobile is working on bringing HSPA+ .84, which I guess is 84mbps (theoretical limit). So if a 3G speed actually is the same speed as the current 4G speeds does it really matter what they call it? I would prefer they advertise the speed, because for me it is the speed not the tech behind the scenes.

OTA update causing data to step down to H

Anyone else notice after the update, during calls your data will force down to H from LTE? Same issue with Nexus 5 and 6p.

divinewisdom said:
Anyone else notice after the update, during calls your data will force down to H from LTE? Same issue with Nexus 5 and 6p.
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Not an issue. Is a feature so that you can get better reception for your phone call.
Sent from my Nexus 6P

anglerstock said:
Not an issue. Is a feature so that you can get better reception for your phone call.
Sent from my Nexus 6P
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Not true. LTE is the better reception for calls. Look up the difference in technology.
As for why and if the latest update drops when making calls... I haven't seen it myself so I can't comment.

obsanity said:
Not true. LTE is the better reception for calls. Look up the difference in technology.
As for why and if the latest update drops when making calls... I haven't seen it myself so I can't comment.
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Can you disconnect from WiFi, see if you get LTE, then make a call see what happens. This is after the latest update today.

obsanity said:
Not true. LTE is the better reception for calls. Look up the difference in technology.
As for why and if the latest update drops when making calls... I haven't seen it myself so I can't comment.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2g gives better reception than 3g, 3g better than 4g and so on. LTE gives faster data speed but if you want better reception 2g it is.
Sent from my Nexus 6P

Which carrier. Unless you have VOLTE that has always happened.

I noticed the same thing on ATT. During a phone call the phone drops to H. This is not normal, my nexus 5 remains on LTE since I didn't upgrade that phone.
Curious if there's a fix for this.

divinewisdom said:
Can you disconnect from WiFi, see if you get LTE, then make a call see what happens. This is after the latest update today.
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Click to collapse
While in a call I'm still on LTE. Yes I'm on the latest update.
---------- Post added at 08:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:48 PM ----------
anglerstock said:
2g gives better reception than 3g, 3g better than 4g and so on. LTE gives faster data speed but if you want better reception 2g it is.
Sent from my Nexus 6P
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I think you got it backwards. It may be true that in some areas 2G may give you a better signal strength than 3G but that has nothing to do with technology and the amount of data which can go through and that includes calls (yes calls are also data and has been for many years since it all went digital).
LTE is just another, newer standard of GSM for calls, text, data and so on.
Also, VoLTE is not the same as VoIP.

Not had any issues from the uk. I generally get 4g. The radios on this phone far suprass the ones on my old xperia Z2.
Anyway didn't i see a post saying that the update disabled a certain band for T-Mobile? Maybe it's to do with that

hal752 said:
Not had any issues from the uk. I generally get 4g.
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Did you read the thread?
The only network in the UK that supports VoLTE (calls while you are on a 4G network) is Three and they don't sell or support the Nexus 6P, so you certainly haven't been getting 4G while you are on a call.

Plain LTE does not support voice, it is only for data. When your phone receives a call it will automatically use H/3g or even 2g for your voice call. Unless your operator supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE)!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Same thing. Though voice doesn't use LTE always. LTE is just for data.

mkouk said:
Plain LTE does not support voice, it is only for data. When your phone receives a call it will automatically use H/3g or even 2g for your voice call. Unless your operator supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE)!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I'm not sure you guys understand how LTE works and what it is supposed to do. LTE is just another standard which is better than the old GSM type 3G. It's just that carriers chose to use it only for data because the entire infrastructure was already designed to work on 3G for voice. The transition to full LTE system is taking a bit long but watch when next year Verizon shuts down all 3G CDMA equipment and goes LTE only on the entire network.
T-Mobile will most likely follow along with all the others.

obsanity said:
I'm not sure you guys understand how LTE works and what it is supposed to do. LTE is just another standard which is better than the old GSM type 3G. It's just that carriers chose to use it only for data because the entire infrastructure was already designed to work on 3G for voice. The transition to full LTE system is taking a bit long but watch when next year Verizon shuts down all 3G CDMA equipment and goes LTE only on the entire network.
T-Mobile will most likely follow along with all the others.
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Click to collapse
Please don't spread misinformation. LTE standard only supports packet switching so carriers have been using circuit switched fallback (i.e. 3g) for regular calls and we are now seeing operators moving to VoLTE.
Also LTE is based on GSM!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

mkouk said:
Please don't spread misinformation. LTE standard only supports packet switching so carriers have been using circuit switched fallback (i.e. 3g) for regular calls and we are now seeing operators moving to VoLTE.
Also LTE is based on GSM!
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I'm not sure where the misinformation is.
The argument here is that the older systems are somehow better at voice than LTE is and one gets a better signal with 2G for being able to make a call. This is simply not true. LTE supports voice with the implementation of VoLTE and is much superior at handling it. More capacity, clearer calls and better quality calls with much weaker signal strength.
Again, carriers chose to implement it as data only because of many older handsets still out there using 2G/3G. But this will not be for long because LTE is much more efficient which spells $$$ for carriers. Verizon has already started turning off their legacy CDMA system on some towers.
Also, when did I say LTE was not based on GSM?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/VoLTE