Database Users

o2 xda exec in the US, need some help.

I've been reading the Universal forum for days picking out tidbits of advice on what to do with my exec here in the US. I'd like some difinitive answers if anyone has them to these questions. (I use Cingular)
1. I currently live in massachusetts and my quad band razor gets [good] service in my apartement (seems to get data too). My NGage (tmobile branded) doesn't get service inside, but outside I get 3 to 4 bars. My new exec gets 1, maybe 2 bars outside, and mostly nothing inside. Every once in a while Ill pick up the cingular signal and then it fades before I can attempt to make a call. Can anyone explain this? Im not sure its just the 850 band discrepancy since the ngage is only dual band 900 & 1900mhz.
2. WHERE can I get the Cingular MMS and GPRS settings for my phone? I've found a few sites that I've been able to peacemeal together a working gprs connection using wap.cingular as my access point, but MAN is it slow! I get faster transfer speeds on the ngage! I think that Im not using the fastest available (what the phone can support and the network provides that are compatible) settings, so if anyone has any links that are better than the junk I've found, please post them, or a tutorial if you have time. Also I read that IMATE's extended rom has a configuration app that will auto configure GPRS and the correct GSM settings for a multitude of networks, would this solve my problem as in, does it work with Cingular US?
3. No one can agree as to whether the military in the US will give up the 2100 Mhz band, and since Cingular has begun deploying umts here on 1900mhz, whats the final story on the universal and UMTS? I see an equal number of posts and articles that say a software patch can allow the 1900mhz frequency to be used instead of the stock 2100, and I see another set of posts saying its hardware locked, and the universals 3G is and forever will be useless in the US.
4. Any US users please advise as to the most successful radio rom version, the stories about what does and doesn't work are mostly european. As we speak Im upping to the new o2 1.30 rom with radio version 1.09, that seems to be consistently considered the best rom abroad. Ironically the one person who commented from the US was reinstalling tmobile radio 1.11 because 1.09 sucked for him.
Thanks to the Experts for your help.

I hope this helps anyone of the number of readers who were interested in a response to this. I've done a bit of esearch and concluded that:
DO NOT TRY TO USE THIS PHONE WITH CINGULAR, unless you happen to live and/or exist in one of their 1900mhz locations. T Mobile USA is the way to go. while cingilar is phasing out 1900mhz in favor of their lower freqency but stronger 850mhz band, TMobile ispredominantly 1900mhz, except in very rural areas. They promise to continue to expand their 1900mhz network and build their massive wifi hotspot network to incorporate some of their "futuristic" seamless gsm over ip technology that is supposedly dominant in Germany. Don't see the big deal in that. However, I just moved to New Orleans, Louisiana yesterday and was able to test cingular and tmo side by side via 1900mhz coverage during the drive from Massachusetts. tmo was in full coverage most of the trip at 1900mhz. there were few places where I could get steady 1900 via cingular durin the drive, but to be fair, quad band cingular coverage was flawless until alabama, and then good again after the 20 minute stretch of nothing. tmo quad wasn't checked but is safe to say that the coverage is awesome in most metro areas. as long as you don't live on a farm you can safely use tmo and the universal together. I opted to keep my cingular voice (family) plan dueto my contract, but I did get a pretty sweet steal on tmo using a little trickery.
$30 a month for unlimited data + 500 text messages. no voice.
basically I signed up for the unlimited blackberry plan and requested access to internet2.voicestream.com AP for particular business software requirements. tmo was happy to oblige.
I had cingular unlimited data; and even when I had full service the connection was amzingly flaky. I even used my razr as a bt modem for my uni for a while to take advantage of the razrs quad band reception and data apeeds. slow and flaky, frequently failing dns lookups. tmo internet is sllow gprs but 3 to 4 times as responsive as cingular gprs. data lookup takes no more than 2 seconds, an large pages load in under 8 secons, including All pics. xda developers takes approx 4 seconds per pag to render via tmo. using cingular I couldn't make a followup post because lookup and rendering time were in the minutes, when the page loaded at all. Push via mail2web works great, not a single flaw so far. snce I can keep open the data connection and I'm not constantly redialing, my battery life has doubled. mail arrives within seconds of its arrival on the server, and I've never beeen happier with a device. agile messenger works great now too, running in the background all day without any hangups, hickups, or problems. just can't send push to talks because I can't map a ptt button. if anyone has any questions, just pm, post, or email me.

TyTN bits & pieces...ROMs...Cingular...UMTS...settings..

1. This unlocked HTC TyTN originally came with 05/30/06 ROM installed. I tried different HTC, Dopod, Qtek,I-mate, etc. ROMs available on this Forum but the current one (7/22/06 shown in sig) being used is the most stable I found. All were about the same speed wise. All have the same BT audio problems. Some ROMs really choked with certain utility software, e.g., Spbs & SKtools. Some ROMs are loaded down with stuff you'll never use & can't get rid of easily. This ROM works the best here with demanding chess software & online chess programs, as well as various utilities which are known to cause problems. The real improved TyTN ROM we need isn't released yet!
2. Serial # HT628xxxxxxx. No screen alignment problems.
3. 2 GB SanDisk MicroSD card, formatted as fat32, correct memory detected on device. No data losses so far. I have made backups (Spb) to card & restored with no problem, USING SAME ROM ONLY. All syncs (MS4.2) made to WinXPsp2 computer...works normally.
4. Cingular network settings used = same as Cingular 8125. Found that the TyTN Phone setting\Band settings WORKED BEST when BOTH set to AUTO. When specific settings, i.e., GSM or WCDMA, GSM(1900+850)+UMTS(1900+850), were used, the speeds were much less or erratic for some reason I don't understand. In fact, UMTS connects infrequently & Edge drops way down. This finding may only apply to San Francisco Area. The tests performed all used the DSLReports Test Server-S.F. & 2Wire.com server. A soft reset was done between each test or change of parameters.
5. Also, I found that the Cingular (8125) setup for MEdia Net (which also uses proxy settings) works the best & attains the highest speeds overall. Other settings, especially those needed for audio & video streaming (where proxy is not used), were not as good. Tests included TyTN Cingular settings from various websites, e.g., BengalBoy, etc..I'm still working on finding the optimal settings for non-proxy use. However, I will say, I've been able to play online chess & listen to streaming audio, simultaneously, something not possible with any other ppc or mobile device used. So, even the non-proxy connection through Cingular with TyTN works well.
6. The device Network setting indicates "UMTS Cingular" when connected to UMTS. For G (Edge & less), the Network setting will indicate only "Cingular."
7. Top pda screen indicator U or G. Of course, G appears for Edge or less bandwidth. Speeds generally average about 175-260 kBit/sec Edge or 600-1200 kBit/sec UMTS. The higher speeds are happening more frequently around the San Francisco Bay Area, as Cingular improves the network. Areas where I used to get only Edge speeds are now coming in as UMTS.
8. It's possible Cingular's use of HSDPA software is beginning to bump up the average UMTS speeds, in S.F. area.
9. The TyTN gets much better phone signal than my 8125 & about the same as the excellent 2125. Old Nokia still best in this department. The phone audio quality, both in & out, is MUCH better than Cingular 8125 or I-mate Jamin.
10. I have noticed more Dropped calls with the TyTN, compared to the 8125, 2125, I-mate Jamin & an old Nokia. Maybe that's due to Cingular Network changes related to UMTS, who knows, but others have reported this as well.
11. The TyTN sliding keyboard is heads & shoulders above the 8125! Totally solid mechanism. Thank heavens. It's easiest to use of any pda keyboard experienced.
12. Besides the useful registry BT tweaks one needs for the TYTN, I did find the reg tweaks to pipe the History, Cookies, & Temp Internet Files to MicroSD card, an excellent improvement! With the better TyTN Internet speeds, this tweak means more than before.
13. Using Clip-on Bluetooth Stereo Headset, DKSH-06, spec v1.2.(Shenzhen Trykey,Hongkong) & Motorola H700 BT earpiece. Both excellent with TyTN.

Hi, Do you think you could list the settings that you're using in detail? Thanks!

yea i agree with the above post. im also running the hermes on the cingular network and are interested in the settings you are using to attain such good speeds.

Nice post DeviLduck.
I found that the phone/band settings you use work the best where I am in the Northern VA/Wash DC area. I have never seen any UMTS speed better than the low 800s. As you said, it will get better as the HSDPA software becomes further deployed.
UMTS is still sporatic around here and I have found a few times where the device gets hung up looking for a service. The phone will work but there is no data connection. This only happens on when I have auto/auto selected. If I chose GSM/auto, there is never a hang-up. It ususally happens when I had a UMTS connection and then drop off to an E (G on the display).

Nice post DeviLduck.
I found that the phone/band settings you use work the best where I am in the Northern VA/Wash DC area. I have never seen any UMTS speed better than the low 800s. As you said, it will get better as the HSDPA software becomes further deployed.
UMTS is still sporatic around here and I have found a few times where the device gets hung up looking for a service. The phone will work but there is no data connection. This only happens on when I have auto/auto selected. If I chose GSM/auto, there is never a hang-up. It ususally happens when I had a UMTS connection and then drop off to an E (G on the display).

John,
Are you on the MediaMaxx (MediaNet) plan or pdaconnect plan?
Also please post the settings if you are onthe MediaNet plan. IT is very confusing as to what are the proper settings. Someone should post a definitive guide to the different plans/settings and what the restrictions and limitations are of each plan.
I am in Silver Spring and will be getting my TyTN on Monday/Tuesday of this week. It will be interesting to see what speeds I get up here....Some users are reporting anywhere from 900kbps to 1.2Mbps in our region.
~O

yak86 said:
Hi, Do you think you could list the settings that you're using in detail? Thanks!
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Cingular Support with settings:
MEdia Net connection profile
http://onlinecare.cingular.com/supp...ingular.atgnow.com/cng/tutorials/KB56475.html
My ISP connection profile
https://cingular.atgnow.com/cng/tutorials/KB65755.html
TyTN settings:
Start\ Settings\ Personal\ Phone\ BAND\
Select your network type\ AUTO\
Select your GSM/UMTS band\ AUTO
Start\ Settings\ Personal\ Phone\ Network\ Current Network
Will show: UMTS Cingular or Cingular
After changing settings a soft reset is recommended.

iboj007 said:
John,
Are you on the MediaMaxx (MediaNet) plan or pdaconnect plan?
Also please post the settings if you are onthe MediaNet plan. IT is very confusing as to what are the proper settings. Someone should post a definitive guide to the different plans/settings and what the restrictions and limitations are of each plan.
I am in Silver Spring and will be getting my TyTN on Monday/Tuesday of this week. It will be interesting to see what speeds I get up here....Some users are reporting anywhere from 900kbps to 1.2Mbps in our region.
~O
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Click to collapse
My understanding is that you would be using these settings regardless of plan.(PDA/Phone) Different phones have different settings. The various plans have options you choose according to need.
In my case, I'm paying $39.95 for UNLIMITED Internet & MEdia Net with a PDA/Phone, which includes email. This is separate from the phone plan.
If you register a Smartphone with Cingular, e.g., Cingular 2125, you can choose a plan for $19.95, for UNLIMITED MEdia Net, does not include email. This plan availability is already going through some major changes.
There are other plans which give you access to Cingular Video & Multimedia content, according to need. These are separate from your Phone plan too.
One popular topic on some Forums involves Cingular users who figured out a way to get the full benefits (of the $39.95 UNLIMITED Plan), by subscribing to the $19.95 MEdia Net Plan. If Cingular will give you that lower rate with the HTC TyTN, Cingular 8525, or other related unlocked branded tytn form factor phone, as legally registered, then that's cool. Here in S.F., a PDA/Phone requires the higher rate plan for Unlimited. If you don't use Internet, then other options are there.
Since the Cingular Plans & Costs structure info is changing as the UMTS Network is being developed, I advise you you to contact Cingular Customer Service for those details. You can be sure these rates will be changing. Available Plans will undergo changes by Jan 2007, count on it. In the near future, if a definitive guide of Cingular Plans & respective differences in settings/limitations, etc., could be pulled together, I'll try to make that contribution here. All this info is in flux right now. Also, the Cingular 8525 availability is still in early stages.
The general criticism is that Cingular costs more than other Providers for Internet/Media related services. However, their Network seems to be the best choice for getting the most out of the TyTN in the San Francisco Bay Area. When other providers ramp up UMTS, I expect Cingular will reduce plan costs & offer more economical packages.
If you're getting a TyTN, I would recommend you sign up for a Plan that gives you true UNLIMITED Internet. Separate charges based on Mbytes downloaded or uploaded will shock you! You can always change it later, if the speeds or connections don't work as advertised where you live.

Remmember that UMTS uses the 1900MHz while GSM is on 850 MHz
850 coverage is superior (RF propagation). HSDPA speed should reach 1.8 mb in few months after T1's are added and to 3.8 mb when new devices based on new Qualcomm chipset are announced. Curently only the Sierra wireless and Option cards are available. Dropped calls on UMTS will improve as CW is optimizing the IRAT HO settings ( when you handover from UMTS to GSM ). Future ROM will fix many problems as CW will launch its 8525 Hermes very soon

DeviLDuck and iboj007 - sorry I haven't replied but i have been away for a couple days. I'm actually a bad case study as I am connecting thru a private company proxy server on an account where we have unlimited voice and data. Unfortunately, the company I work for still has several thousand 2003 devices in play and are using old AT&T SIM cards. Some of us try to play with what we have (the AT&T) SIM cards and use them in our own purchased WM5 devices.
Contrary to what some have written, I can get 3G/UMTS speeds in and around Wash., DC using the older AT&T card. However, it does hangup at times. I know my problems are most likely all related to the SIM card. Because of that, I usually just set the TyYN phone to let me connect thru Edge. I would point out that the TyTN gets me better reception and speeds than my previous S-200. There was a thread here that explained why you would get faster Edge speeds on the TyTN even if you chose GSM/auto under the band settings. Until my company issues new Cingular 3G cards, I will be sticking with Edge settings but even at that, it is a vast improvement over the S-200 connection speeds that I have seen.

John,
Thanks for the reply.
I can't seem to get 3G at home in Silver Spring...I popped my 3g Cingular SIM into an Cu500 and 3g popped up for about 30 seconds...it then defaulted back down to Edge.
I'm pretty sure that I'll get it from work tomorrow in Tysons Corner and i'll let you know the results.
Currently I am on Auto/Auto as settings and using the MEdiaMaxx 200 plan (unlimited data plus 200 SMS).

Great. I work at National A/P and get a pretty good signal there. I went out to Dulles the other day and watched it all the way out on I-66 and it was very stong in the Tysons to Dulles corridor. I guess with all the high tech HQs that are out that way, they made sure they got it first! I am just hoping my company gets the SIM cards converted over to the Cingular 3g sooner than later as it will not work reliably with my present card.

Configure Unlocked Universal for USA Cingular Medianet

First of all, allow me to apologize for posting this in the "General" area, rather than in the Universal specific area. I am, indeed, a bonehead.
I recently purchased an HTC Universal (my version: O2 XDA Exec--what can I say; I like black), and would like to configure it so that I can access Cingular's MediaNet service here in the U.S. I tried to follow the procedure for other similar phones, but as the Universal doesn't have exactly the same layout of connection options and so forth, I failed miserably.
Has anyone attempted to do this, and if so, how did you get it to work? I've gone as far as setting up the basic GPRS information, but I can't find any way to access a proxy server on the device. Any advice from anyone?
Doug

If you just change the My ISP tab, then you won't have the option to input a proxy server. Try adding a new connection and you should have the option to add a proxy

I was successfully able to set up the my XDA Exec on cingular. You need to create a new isp connection and a new dialup connection, for the dialup choose gprs,3g. Then for the access point put in wap.cingular. Thats it. Unfortunately the cingular network in the US does not support UMTS but in a few areas, and is not on teh same freqency as the UMTS in europe (2100mhz), the few test markets for cingular have it on the 850mhz band. The Universal does not support the 850mhz band at all. You'll find that the cingular gprs connection is extremely flakey. On top of that, unless you're lucky enough to live in a VERY RURAL Area (is that lucky?) Cingulars metro freqency of choice is 850mhz, so you'll get little service and tons of drops. TMobile is predominately 1900mhz, their GPRS is rock solid, (albet still as slow as gprs is) much faster than cingular and way more stable. Good luck.

Sess said:
I was successfully able to set up the my XDA Exec on cingular. You need to create a new isp connection and a new dialup connection, for the dialup choose gprs,3g. Then for the access point put in wap.cingular. Thats it. Unfortunately the cingular network in the US does not support UMTS but in a few areas, and is not on teh same freqency as the UMTS in europe (2100mhz), the few test markets for cingular have it on the 850mhz band. The Universal does not support the 850mhz band at all. You'll find that the cingular gprs connection is extremely flakey. On top of that, unless you're lucky enough to live in a VERY RURAL Area (is that lucky?) Cingulars metro freqency of choice is 850mhz, so you'll get little service and tons of drops. TMobile is predominately 1900mhz, their GPRS is rock solid, (albet still as slow as gprs is) much faster than cingular and way more stable. Good luck.
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I got it connected. Yup, you're right; lots of drops. Since my contract is up in November, I might consider moving to TMobile. How is their nationwide coverage compared to Cingular? Better, worse, or about the same?
Thanks,
Doug

dougom said:
I got it connected. Yup, you're right; lots of drops. Since my contract is up in November, I might consider moving to TMobile. How is their nationwide coverage compared to Cingular? Better, worse, or about the same?
Thanks,
Doug
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I wish I could be of more help on this one, but I've only used the universal in 5 major cities in teh US, New Orleans LA, Boston MA, Albuquerque NM, Amherst MA, and Metairie LA. Great coverage from tmo in all those areas, a little spotty in some larger buildings on teh uni, but on my Excalibur I get great coverage almost everywhere I've been, including my long drive from LA to FLorida (Ft Lauderdale). Almost guarantee that you'll get better results with TMO if you stick with the Uni, though there are now actually phones I would consider much better.

Band restriction hardware or software?

I live in southern africa where its still going to be some time before the G1 is launched.
It would be possible for me to order the US G1 from ebay but I am concerned about the network band because firstly I want to know that the phone will at least work on the regular 2G network (1800 in my country) for the usual phone calls and then of course I want to be able use 3G for Internet access. I don't know the 3G frequency in my country but the service has been available for over a year already.
Is it a software restriction which can be resolved by updating the firmware at a later stage or is there actually different hardware for the model being released in the US and those being released in other countries like the UK?
Thanks!

Take a look here to find the UMTS frequency that your carrier uses (of course, call to double check):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Deployed_UMTS_networks
It hasn't exactly been confirmed yet, but the G1 is supposed to support both 1700+2100 (UMTS IV) and 2100 (UMTS I) networks. Since African carriers are all using 2100, you should have no problems getting a 3G signal without having to worry about hardware/software compatability. You should also confirm that your carrier will provide the approrpiate connection settings in case you need to set it up manually.
The G1 also comes with quad-band GSM/EDGE, so you will certainly be able to receive 2G signals.
However, keep in mind that the first batch of G1s will be locked to T-mobile. You will need to make sure that you get a carrier-unlocked device in order to use your carrier's SIM.

fhsieh said:
Take a look here to find the UMTS frequency that your carrier uses (of course, call to double check):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Deployed_UMTS_networks
It hasn't exactly been confirmed yet, but the G1 is supposed to support both 1700+2100 (UMTS IV) and 2100 (UMTS I) networks. Since African carriers are all using 2100, you should have no problems getting a 3G signal without having to worry about hardware/software compatability. You should also confirm that your carrier will provide the approrpiate connection settings in case you need to set it up manually.
The G1 also comes with quad-band GSM/EDGE, so you will certainly be able to receive 2G signals.
However, keep in mind that the first batch of G1s will be locked to T-mobile. You will need to make sure that you get a carrier-unlocked device in order to use your carrier's SIM.
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Thanks, that makes me feel more comfortable with ordering a G1 from the US.
I was just concerned because I read somewhere that the US version does not work in AUS so there obviously are problems in some countries with the bands. The UK version will apparently work in Aus.

Again, I want to emphasize that you need to make sure you have an unlocked version. When you first turn on the phone, you are required to log into gmail (or create a new account) over a 2G/3G network. If you are unable to login (because the phone has not been unlocked to work on your carrier's 2G/3G), you will not be able to use the G1 for anything other than emergency calls. You won't even be able to enable WiFi to handle the login.
http://androidcentral.com/g1-wont-work-without-a-data-plan-period/
If at all possible, I would advise waiting at least until some other folks have tried bringing the G1 to other networks so that you know what exactly you will have to do to get one working on your carrier.

Thanks again, I will definitely ensure that I do not purchase a network locked G1.

Any way to set 3G as permanent internet so it doesn't go to HDPSA?

I've been having internet troubles since i got my Hero a few weeks ago.
It seems to jump between '3G' and 'H' when I use any applications using the internet. This means that pages often fail to load/download, or appear slower than 2G connection speeds.
I think this is because I'm in an area which can just about receive HDSPA speeds sometimes, but not consistently, so I was wondering if there's any way to set the internet to stay at 3G and not attempt to connect to HDSPA? When I'm in areas where the best speed possible in 3G, the internet is infinitely faster than when it's jumping from 3G to H and back.
Thank You!

I'm not sure on the phone itself but from a network perspective you would need to ask you phone provider to change your QOS on the HLR (network control and provisioning) to a non HSDPA entry, eg t-mobile uk QOS 1201 = HSDPA 3.6

it doesn't work that way (the hlr qos profile). you can only set the maximum speed there, not the RAN technology which is used. i don't think there is anything you can do, the phone attaches to the best server (=cell with strongest signal), and if that cell supports hsdpa it is used for data transfer. as hsd(p)a is only an "addon" for umts i don't think that your connection would be better on the same cell, even if you were able to force umts usage. bad radio reception is bad radio reception... it is not uncommon that a stable EDGE connection works better than a weak umts/hspa signal, have you tried switching to 2g?

kendong2 said:
it doesn't work that way (the hlr qos profile). you can only set the maximum speed there, not the RAN technology which is used. i don't think there is anything you can do, the phone attaches to the best server (=cell with strongest signal), and if that cell supports hsdpa it is used for data transfer. as hsd(p)a is only an "addon" for umts i don't think that your connection would be better on the same cell, even if you were able to force umts usage. bad radio reception is bad radio reception... it is not uncommon that a stable EDGE connection works better than a weak umts/hspa signal, have you tried switching to 2g?
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of course you can, thousands of sims on networks are unable to use hsdpa because of a low qos, on t-mobile's uk system if you do not provision the web and walk plus SOC on the account the service order does not go through and they are unable to use HSDPA. I dont have a HSDPA qos and I dont get a H but if I use the sim that came with it I do.. best thing to do is give the networks tech support a ring with some times and locations and ask if they can look at what ever reporting system they use and look at network statistics at the time. Best to look at the sgsn;s and look at the stats at that point.
It doesnt matter if the cell supports hsdpa, hsdpa on the cell itself is only a capability to go back through to the msc. a footprint on a 3g cell will keep the closest strongest users when it hits max capacity, if you are on the outskirts you ill lose out.
the more you complain to the provider the qucicker they add some higher bandwidth lines to th local exchange or hub..
Might simply be a congested site, if so it should report itself...
naughty naughty trx

ahem... hspa is RAN (as in Radio Access Network) technology. it is applied to the communication between the handset and the node b, not anything behind the node b (not sure whether the rnc needs to be aware of it, but that's it, no msc involved). i am not sure whether the simcard needs to be hspa capable, but i have never heard of it. and i do provision sim cards for a living...

kendong2 said:
ahem... hspa is RAN (as in Radio Access Network) technology. it is applied to the communication between the handset and the node b, not anything behind the node b (not sure whether the rnc needs to be aware of it, but that's it, no msc involved). i am not sure whether the simcard needs to be hspa capable, but i have never heard of it. and i do provision sim cards for a living...
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You are rightt hsdpa as a technology does get implemented between the mast (node b) and the handset.. what is added between the RNC and the node b is the LUB this is an added control mechanism, this kinda makes sure no data is loss occurs when the node b's buffers are overflowed! this is not a fool proof system, RNC? it could be a SRNC controller,, anyway you are right in what you say but as i have worked within this area i do know that when i was saying "SIMS" I didnt mean the actual sim itself i was referring to sims with old HLR profiles that cant access hsdpa! most pay as you go sims cant on tmob uk this stops them going £1 a day unlimited handset internet and hammering the sim in a dongle!! Im a big fan of provisioning btw! geeky as it sounds the complexity of mass provisioning failures interests me!