Database Users

New theory for signal drop/loss of data and dropped calls

So after reading mostly every post I could find on the net regarding the Vibrant and its signal bar issues, it's pretty apparent that most everyone experiences the signal indicator dropping when the phone is held a certain way, however this only seems to affect some people's data throughput and voice service. I have read a couple of people that do not have these dropped bars, but those posts are few and far between, so I think it is safe to assume that there is a definite bug with at least the way the phone displays signal.
I have a new theory. Now, I'm no expert with cellular technology, so this may, and probably is, totally wrong. But as I was unboxing the phone, I noticed that this was the first time I got a new SIM card with any T-Mobile phone since my first, the original T-Mobile PocketPC Phone Edition, in what was that, 2002? 2003? Every other upgraded handset I've ever owned didn't come with one and it was assumed you just pop it out of your previous phone and you were good to go. Have SIM cards changed at all the way they handle these newer networks, especially HSDPA and HSPA+, or is it still all of the same? My new SIM doesn't work because I believe it isn't registered to my account on the network, so I am using the old one. It is a dumb theory I know, but its worth thinking about. Someone who is better educated will probably school my noobness, but I just found it interesting that this is the first phone on T-Mobile that can take advantage of these newer networks for both voice and data, and also the first one to include a brand-spanking new SIM card, in my experience anyway.
If this theory is totally stupid, does anyone else have any other theories?

Also received a new SIM card, unasked for. No idea if and how this could affect signal, though.

New sim cards should have basically no input on your reception. It just tells your phone which signal ranges to use. Thats it. Also contact storage.
Meanwhile you have to seriously hamfist your phone to cause anything, none of which would result in a dropped call nor a stopped data transfer.
Please stop the false hype. Vibrant won't drop calls like the iphone would.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

The old sim cards can only register on the network some 90k times or somesuch before they go bad. The swaps between 2g + 3g networks are causing lots to go bad faster. The new sim cards don't go bad at that point. That is the only difference. You will know if it's gone bad if you're getting "sos emergency calls" or "unable to register," but it shouldn't have any effect on loss of data/signal temporarily. It will simply no longer connect at all, period.

You sure about that magic 90k number? Got a link to back it up?
I would have a year tops if that were even true.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

No links, sorry. I'm in cust care for t-mobile, and it was in one of our updates explaining why exactly we were getting these mysterious new sim card codes in the system when there was no other noticable changes to the sims. No increase in storage for contacts, or anything else, we were all kinda "huh"
Edit:After searching around for a relevant link I stumbled upon the one below stating that it might cause similar problems, although I've yet to see that being related in any of the troubleshooting I've done. At least the specifically UICC problem.
forums.t-mobile.com/t5/myTouch-3G-Slide/cannot-make-calls-losing-signal-apps-force-closing-Problems/m-p/416847

Sim cards can cause some problems for people. I can safely say that even with the weakest of signals MY Vibrant will xfer data. I have the screen shots to prove it. I've yet to drop a call. The only thing I have a problem with is the GPS and the occasional pausing. I wish we could get some information from T-Mobile and Samsung about this matter and when they plan on fixing it. I see they're working on it by "leaking" betas to i9000 handsets. They need to fix the bars too because it's more annoying than anything. Otherwise I love the phone. GPS/zero bars will do for now but I want it to match the rest of the phone. The phone has no problem seeing up to 14 sats (only on stock settings) but will not connect to them.
My sim card is the one that came with the phone. Some networks have a special 3G authentication based on your sim but I don't believe T-Mobile is one of the carriers that use this.

I am using my old sim card and I still get attenuation when I cover the bottom of the phone. I have never lost a call due to it so I have always figured that it is just faulty reporting of the signal. In my house, where I get pretty bad service, I can make it show no bars but I can still receive a call (I got one while I was playing with it by odd coincidence)

[Q] Orange UK - 3G does not work..

Hi all,
Wonder if you can help me as I'm beginning to lose it with this phone..
I've not had a decent connection since I bought the phone back in september. Basically a 3G signal means no connection. Nothing happens, no data. When its on the 'H' sign it works really well but it stays on H for like 10 seconds before switching back to 3G.
I've googled this problem and it seems I'm not the only one with this issue. I've changed the network settings, and even tried various radios to no avail. I have good 3G coverage in my area so there shouldn't be a problem at all. Even in central london it doesn't work. It's too unstable and virtually unusable..
Can anyone suggest any other possible solutions to this please?
Thanks

Talk to lennyuk about this
He got on well against orange and can tell you the story of what's wrong

I had this problem before! Orange just sent me a new SIM and it was all sorted !

Thanks chaps,
I've just PM'd Lenny!
alex: I'll ring them up and ask them to send me a new one if it still doesn't work. I'm sooo not looking forward to explaining to them what the issue is...haha

Ah, I had this problem, and it left me 4 months without data thanks to oranges stupidity.
Anyway a short term fix will be to dial *#*#4636#*#* and go phone options, then change your network in the drop down box to 2g only (or similar can't remember the phrase it uses)
2g still works all the time.
As for the long fix, you will need to speak to orange and demand to speak to "high tech" support they can fix it (well they did for me eventually). The problem they said was that my phone was connecting to both an old tower and a new "super tower" they orange UK are installing across the country, this confused the phone and messed up its data connection when on 3g, as it was trying to pull data from 2 towers at one time.
Orange eventually forced me onto one tower (or so they told me) and for a large part the problem was solved from there on in.
You do have to remember as well though the Hero has some 3g compatibility issues with Orange's existing network (again stupid orange), this is something that can never really be fixed.
Orange support can be very helpful if you speak to the right people, don't be afraid to tell them to put you through higher up straight away.
Hope this helps.

Thank you very much for the informative reply Lenny
I'll keep you all updated.

Just a quick update..
I had 2 weeks of stable connection up until a few days back! It had been fine ever since Orange fixed the 3g/gprs problem after it went down for everyone. Probably due to the low traffic? (see below)
So I phoned Orange yesterday and explained my problem and asked to be put through to the 'high tech' department. However, after a while being on hold, the 1st line support advisor said she'll call me back asap as the techies were busy. She called back about 20min later, just as I popped downstairs for 30 seconds! Anyway, she left a message explaining the problem. Turns out that my area has 2 masts both of which are running at full capacity, and there's not enough bandwidth for everyone, hence why my connection has been unstable. She also said that they're going to be upgrading the capacity on the 18th which should fix it.
Another thing she mentioned was that, next month when orange and tmobile merge there's going to be more masts for our phones to connect to - more coverage and bandwidth. You can sign-up to trial this on the orange website.

G2 Data Connection

Has anyone been having issues with the G2 Data? This morning and another morning this week my data failed, I tried going into airplane mode then restarting the phone completely still no signal and no cell signal either. My friend has a hacked and unlocked iPhone and his is working fine so I know its not a network issue with the towers... As well another co-worker has a myTouch 3g with no reported issues. Thankfully I have a wifi signal here at work.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

That unlocked iPhone your buddy is using is EDGE only, obviously. That's going to give a better connection inside. Try running 2G only mode next time you get that issue.
I bet it was just a brief network outage in your area. It happens sometimes.

Not brief if it's a network outage... my connection is still gone... both my friends have theirs and one is on a myTouch 3g...
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

I do have occasional data connectivity issues, however, not that severe. Just your (what seems to be) typical "arrow stuck in the up position" issue.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Tapatalk

jloescher2010 said:
Not brief if it's a network outage... my connection is still gone... both my friends have theirs and one is on a myTouch 3g...
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you have a problem then. I haven't experienced that on my G2 yet. My N1 forever had data connectivity issues.
Are you using the new simcard that possibly came with your G2? I have no idea if that makes a difference, but just asking...
Call T-Mobile and see what's up. Maybe they can refresh you on the network.
800-937-8997
Say "english" at the first prompt and "representative" at the next prompt to skip to a live person.
Good luck.

Thanks Sean.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

Tmo has been having issues, there are several reports of this and all my demo phones are unable to get online(though regular signal is fine) I would call care to let them know you are having issues too, ask them to make a ticket and/or send an engineer
Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using XDA App

I had to exchange a couple until I got one with a solid 3G connection. Previous G2's had no connection or were in Edge 90% of the time.

Nothing wild here.
It seems to work as its supposed to.

Would love to see mine switch to 3G. Been on Edge 100% since I got it Tuesday. Advertised in a soled 3G area, but no luck. T-Mo CS politely told me I will love Edge. Will be switching to Sprint Epic if nothing changes in next few days.

Mine does that too. I have to restart it.
Wonder if the supposed OTA-vapor new radio will fix that.

I've been having data issues too, seems like it has to do with how my phone is held (HTC antennagate?) I hope the mythical OTA comes with a radio fix (if that is the cause) and/or a vorpal blade....
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

I have a ticket open with tmobile about my data issues.
I'll have my phone on the desk and it'll have 1 or 2 bars of H and then I'll pick it up and its goes to G then to E then to nothing. Its worse when I open the keyboard.
I love this phone so much I hope its just a software fix. Is the OTA going to have radio fixes?

phazedplasma said:
I have a ticket open with tmobile about my data issues.
I'll have my phone on the desk and it'll have 1 or 2 bars of H and then I'll pick it up and its goes to G then to E then to nothing. Its worse when I open the keyboard.
I love this phone so much I hope its just a software fix. Is the OTA going to have radio fixes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exact same problem here. It's so frustrating. I've already exchanged it once and spent an hour on the phone with tech support. If it keeps up, I don't know what I'm going to do.

I am not liking the data issues.... I love the phone besides.
Fixed with a soft reset but that has to change...

There are a bunch of us with signal issues. I live in Vegas where we have great HSPA+ coverage and Im still getting a lot of issues even with 3G, that I didnt have with my Nexus One.
Check out the thread on the T-Mobile Forums. (I cant post the link since Im new here )
My issues are simply the phone works one min then the next there is ZERO signal, if I dont move but restart the phone I have full signal again. Some times the signal comes back on its own then other times it doesnt and I have missed calls after the restart.
I bought my dad a G2 as well (upgraded him from his G1) for his birthday, and he is having similar issues. I went into my local t-mobile store and they replaced the sim card 2x now and that didnt help. What I did find that helps is that if you set it 2G mode the phones seems to work fine. This is a temp fix but its retarded that T-Mobile's fastest phone is being forced to run in 2G mode.
I hope someone on here can figure out the issue or t-mobile comes out with a OTA fix asap.

Wow, the rep just tried to tell me I live in an area that is only covered by edge. I asked why I've had 3g hooked on my phones for the past 2 years and why my girlfriends phone says 3g. She then said I was wrong and she didn't know why the last rep told me I was suppose to have 3g. She then directed me to the coverage map where I pointed out to her how wrong she was.
....and she's a PDA specialist.
What upset me was how she was trying to convince me I lived in an area where 3G was not available. Despite having had 3G at this location for years. I told her I'd just call back tomorrow.
Edit: She must be on drugs, I see that I'm back on 3G.

The rep on the T-Mobile forums is asking you to PM them your info:
Hi everybody!
If you are experiencing this, we would like to hear from you. Please send me a PM with a few details. The location information requested is particularly important.
(Do not post your private information here in public.)
1. Describe your signal indicators when things are working well. For example, "Full signal with an H."
2. Describe your signal indicators when you are experiencing the issues in question (No signal, one bar, E, G, etc).
3. Provide a location where you are experiencing issues (city, state, zip code)
•Are you aware of other T-Mobile phones experiencing or not experiencing these issues at the same location?
•Are you indoors or outdoors when you are experiencing the issues in question?
4. Provide a location where things are working well, if available. (city, state, zip code)
5. The T-Mobile phone number in question.
Thank you!
-Dominic
Moderator, T-Mobile Forums
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
forums.t-mobile.com /t5/T-Mobile-G2/Reception-problems-with-G2/m-p/515891#M16090

I've had prevalent connection issues as well. For me, turning off Bluetooth and WiFi fixed the issues and I was able to get data via mobile network again. Bluetooth seems to be the main offender.
This exact thing used to happen with my N1, and this was fixed with rooted builds (Cyanogen/Enomther) from what I saw...... *grumble*

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread here, but I'm having data issues today in the Chicagoland area. Anyone else having problems?
I first thought it was an issue with the latest CM7 nightly I flashed last night, so this morning I reverted back to CM6.1.1 and still having problems with data. It shows I have 3G/H and strong voice signal, but no data is coming/going. When I reverted back to CM6.1.1 I did a complete wipe and then nandroid restore.
Thoughts?

[Q] Problem Receiving calls

Hi all,
I've finally got my hands on the DHD, and after using winmo for the last ~5 years I'm loving it, but I seem to have a problem with receiving calls.
Earlier tonight at work I was using the market place, playing a bit of Angry birds, and I got a couple of texts from T-mobile saying I had missed calls, I also had a few missed the night before aswell while i was playing around with it.
I've asked the people who called and they said the calls go straight to answer phone as if the phone is off/has no signal, but the signal is great both at home and work.
So far I have rooted and S-OFF'd the phone, but have not installed a custom ROM yet. I thought this may be kinda like the Iphone 4 touch of death issues, but cant get it loose signal by covering it with my hands.
Has anyone else had this issue, or does it look like I may have a dodgy handset?

PenFold109 said:
Hi all,
I've finally got my hands on the DHD, and after using winmo for the last ~5 years I'm loving it, but I seem to have a problem with receiving calls.
Earlier tonight at work I was using the market place, playing a bit of Angry birds, and I got a couple of texts from T-mobile saying I had missed calls, I also had a few missed the night before aswell while i was playing around with it.
I've asked the people who called and they said the calls go straight to answer phone as if the phone is off/has no signal, but the signal is great both at home and work.
So far I have rooted and S-OFF'd the phone, but have not installed a custom ROM yet. I thought this may be kinda like the Iphone 4 touch of death issues, but cant get it loose signal by covering it with my hands.
Has anyone else had this issue, or does it look like I may have a dodgy handset?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does your phone have 3G coverage at your workplace or is 3G enabled on your phone? 2G allows only voice OR data at the same time, while 3G allows both. So if you were using data e.g. marketplace, syncing etc., your call might not get through. Might be worth checking your phone settings.

olivierlee said:
Does your phone have 3G coverage at your workplace or is 3G enabled on your phone? 2G allows only voice OR data at the same time, while 3G allows both. So if you were using data e.g. marketplace, syncing etc., your call might not get through. Might be worth checking your phone settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
didnt know that, will have to re-enable 3g D:

Sorry it took me so long to get back to this thread. Thanks for the replies, After being on shift for the last week it seems that my workplace is in a bit of a coverage grey area, so depending where I am stood, strength of the wind or the current celestial alignment, the phone will swap between 3G and HSDPA, so from what I can find it looks like I may of missed these calls due to this issue.

It should not matter if you're swapping from 3G and HSPDA, you should still be receiving calls if you're on 3G. HSPDA is 3G, but faster. It you still miss calls, I'd suggest talking to your provider.

Unable to make calls while connected to 4G(LTE)

Hi guys,
I've been a visitor of the forums over many years now. Learned quite a bit reading all these great posts.
I'm constantly changing phones but always return to Samsung. Now I'm moving from the Note 5 to the S7E.
I just picked up the S7E today and I'm very impressed. Phone looks great and is very fast. A couple of hours playing with the phone I noticed a big problem. I'm unable to make calls when my phone is connected to LTE. When I attempt to call someone it doesn't drop to 3G to place the call. Also my Internet stops working. I can't force 3G/2G and my only option is to reboot the phone. Once I reboot, I'm able to force 3G/2G and I'm able to make calls and Internet works before and after calls. But in this mode I'm stuck without LTE.
Do you think this is faulty hardware? Or should a software update fix this?
Many thanks to XDA community!

Who is your carrier and which exact variant (SM-G935T, ...935V, etc.) of the device do you have?
Are you in the U.S. or somewhere else?
If this is a carrier-specific device being used on its intended carrier's network, then this problem is something their support people could (and should) be able to help you with.
There aren't enough specifics in your post for anyone to have a reasonable shot at helping with this issue.
Also, I just noticed you posted in the general discussion forum. This post is really asking for help and would be a better fit for the Q&A forum.
Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

Hi,
I bought the international version (SM-G935F). It does not have any carrier branding.
I bought it in Switzerland and I'm using it in Switzerland with a Swiss carrier.
Mods, please move this thread to the appropriate section if it doesn't belong here.
Thanks!

afurtado said:
Hi,
I bought the international version (SM-G935F). It does not have any carrier branding.
I bought it in Switzerland and I'm using it in Switzerland with a Swiss carrier.
Mods, please move this thread to the appropriate section if it doesn't belong here.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also had an S7 Edge with calling issues (dropped every call after a few seconds, possibly trying to switch from 4G to 3G or from 3G to 2G). It turns out it was defective and the replacement works as intended.

Just did a hard reset now.
Was able to make one call. When I tried a second time, same issue. Reboot seems to allow me to make an initial call but then same issue again.
Will take it back tomorrow and hope they have a replacement in stock.

The Feature you are talking about is Voice over LTE! Here in germany this is only anabled in the branded Provider Firmwares like from Vodafone or t-mobile germany. If you have an unbranded Device like i have G635F than VOLTE is not working cause its locked! Not Sure how this works with swiss Providers. In germany VOLTE only is working with Company branded Firmware! And to be honest i am rally worried about that cause i will never use branding Firmwares.

Update: took the s7 edge back to the store and of course the phone worked perfectly. There was nothing they could do as the phone worked fine and we were able to make many test calls.
Phone worked fine during the day but when I got home the problem started again. After some testing, it seems the problem only occurs when connected to 4G+/LTE+/carrier aggregation.
Couldn't place any calls at home this morning but at work where I only get 4G everything works perfectly. Very strange.
In Switzerland I don't think we have VoLTE. When we place calls the phone drops to 3G but for some reason it's not happening when connected to 4G+.
Ill do some more testing today to see if I can find any 4G+ areas near work to test.
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA Free mobile app

Same issue
Hi,
I just got my new S7 Edge (SM-935F) and I think I have the exact same problem. When I'm in the city where I live (Morges, Switzerland), I can't make or receive any call while on 4G but data works. Switching to 2G allows me to make or receive call though.
Then, when in a different city (50km away), everything works as it should be (call and data on 4G). Did a factory reset and it also didn't change a thing.
The guy from my carrier's shop (Sunrise) told me that there was a known issue with 4G calls on the S7 and S7 Edge in different cities (mostly in the canton Valais). I've also been told that Samsung is working on an update to fix it so returning the phone to get a new one would be useless. Did he tell when that would probably be fixed ? Of course not..
I hope someone find a fix soon
Looks like the antenna gate from the iphone 4 but seriously how can something like that still happen

Hi,
Looks like we have exactly the same problem. I work in Geneva but live in Gland. Today I tested my phone in Geneva and it worked perfectly everywhere while in 4G or 4G+. As soon as I arrived home in Gland I'm unable to make calls so I have to force 3G/2G in order to receive and make calls.
By the way I also have sunrise as a carrier.
Good to know that it's a known problem and that they are working on a fix. It's very annoying... Hope they fix it soon!
Sent from my SM-G935F using XDA Free mobile app

Same here,there is any fix?. Thanks