Database Users

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You actually use mms?
Wow, they do exist.

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

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

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

Phone keeps switching from 3G and HSPDA

I keep noticing the data status going from 3G and HSPDA every now and then even when I have full bars. This can't be good...
Anyone else experience this?
Is there a fix?

I also get the switching thing on my phone but only when the HSPA signal is weak and it's not that often. Is this affecting the battery life on your cell phone?

It's normal. If you have issues just set it to use 2g only mode as that saves a heap of power
Sent from my Apple Newton 2100

ickyboo said:
It's normal. If you have issues just set it to use 2g only mode as that saves a heap of power
Sent from my Apple Newton 2100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How do I set this? I checked in settings->wireless and network->mobile networks-> network mode, but see only an option for GSM only, WCDMA only.

If you're with Bell in Canada, there is no option for 2g only as there is no 2g network. Don't worry about the 3g/H switch, this is a common occurrence on most phones on most carriers. My GF's HTC Magic on Rogers did this too.

Gsm only is the 2g mode you want
Sent from my Apple Newton 2100

thanks! I see the option now.

GSM stands for 2G
HSPDA stands for 3G
when it changes between 2G/3G (G/H)[Automode] it's sort of Prefer 3G, fall back to 2G if 3G signal is weak.
you can easily change it off Settings > Wireless and Network > Mobile Network > Network Mode as you've said

actually my network doesnt support 2G (GSM). Like I said, it bounces between 3G and HSDPA (3.5G). Wonder what this does to battery life?

there is no problem, 3G is not as fast as HSPDA
in perfect reception you get 3.5G (HSPDA)
in not so good reception areas you get 3G
in very poor reception areas you are lucky to get 2G (EDGE)

ChiGGz said:
How do I set this? I checked in settings->wireless and network->mobile networks-> network mode, but see only an option for GSM only, WCDMA only.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wtf.. when i go to settings->wireless and network->mobile networks i see "data roaming" "access point names" and "network operators".
i have a bell vibrant unlocked and on rogers and id LOVE to force gsm only.. are you running the updated firmware or something?

Preferred Network Type?

I'm curious what everyones Preferred Network Type is on their G2.
You get there by...
Go to "Phone"
Type *#*#4636#*#* (Don't hit send, you will see a screen appear)
Click "Phone Information"
Scroll down until you see "Set Preferred Network Type" and post what it says
The reason I want to know is because I did this and my phone's preferred network type says "WCDMA perferred".
Does anyone know if changing this value to GSM Prl will be more suitable for this GSM phone or does it not matter?

I switched mine to GSM Preferred PRL and I seem to get better battery life. It has a higher threshold before it switches from E to H. In places with good H signal it doesn't seem to make a difference.
I'm happy with it this way.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

From the N1 thread I used to lurk in religiously.
WCDMA preferred - The GSM phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 3G is favored more.
GSM only - The GSM phone is capable of using only 2G data communication. When the 2G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
WCDMA only - The GSM phone is capable of using only 3G data communication. When the 3G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
GSM auto (PRL) - The GSM phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 2G is favored more. This one is a bit confusing to me since PRL is associated mostly with CDMA technology and not GSM technology.
CDMA auto (PRL) - The CDMA phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 2G is favored more.
CDMA only - The CDMA phone is capable of using only 2G data communication. When the 2G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
EvDo only - The CDMA phone is capable of using only 3G data communication. When the 3G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
GSM/CDMA auto (PRL) - Some phones are equipped with both GSM and CDMA capabilities. This setting appears to just have the phone attempt to stay connected to the data communication type that works the best. (Maybe the Samsung Galaxy S will take advantage of this???)
Unknown - If none of the above fit or the phone is acting weird as far as connecting to the carrier, you will see your preferred network type is set to this.
Also, WCDMA uses more power because it is constantly scanning for connections and will always prefer 3G connections; have a lower threshold to use 3G.
GSM AUTO PRL has a higher threshold for 3G, generally about 2 bars or slightly lower so far I've noticied.

i cannot change network type. default is wcdma preferred. i click gsm only or wcdma only and it defaults back to wcdma preferred. Help! I cannot save the setting. I have galaxy note i717.

Nexus S only shows 3G no H in Taiwan

On my news Nexus S I am only getting and showing 3G with poor connection whether I use Chung-Hwa Telecom or Taiwan's Far Eastone. On my HTC Desire when downloading or uploadinging it would show an "H" up on top and show "3G" if connection was not all that great but with this new Nexus S all I get is 3G. What's up with this? Reception is also worse than the HTC Desire.

Because nexus s only gets 3g
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

kjy112 said:
Because nexus s only gets 3g
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here I see it showing it gets HSDPA.. From what I understand is the 2100 Band in Taiwan is not just 3G
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=3620&idPhone2=3077

It gets HSDPA also, it just doesn't change icons like cyanogen or like the static H on the G2. It wasn't a widely used icon in america until the networks (T-mobbile and AT&T) upgraded to HSDPA or HSPA+.
It is capable of 7.2mbps download.
You could always check the status of the phone under settings to see what connection you have or wait until cyanogenmod comes out for the nexus s, not just the alpha version.

ya HSPA is still 3G with a max download speed of 7.2 HSPA+ depending on device ranges from like 14.4 to 42

KnightMAREcrow said:
It gets HSDPA also, it just doesn't change icons like cyanogen or like the static H on the G2. It wasn't a widely used icon in america until the networks (T-mobbile and AT&T) upgraded to HSDPA or HSPA+.
It is capable of 7.2mbps download.
You could always check the status of the phone under settings to see what connection you have or wait until cyanogenmod comes out for the nexus s, not just the alpha version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mobile Network Type
UMTS
Signal Strength
-101 dBm 4asu

Now answered in the stickied FAQ in the Q&A section.
unremarked said:
Q: The Nexus S only gets 3G? Omg, I only see a 3G icon!
The Nexus S gets UMTS and HSDPA, which are both technically 3G. Your phone idles on UMTS 3G, and when it starts downloading/uploading, it'll flip to HSDPA after a few moments. You can see this by typing *#*#4636#*#* into your Dialer, going to Phone Info, and looking at Network Type while downloading something. The ability to switch the icons on the notification bar is something that was added in custom ROMS, and is not supported by the stock ROM. Rest assured, if you are on a network that uses the 3G bands the Nexus S supports, then you are recieving HSDPA regardless of what icon you see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: Also, in the future, use search and look at that FAQ prior to starting a new thread, mate. This has been asked a bajillion times.

unremarked said:
Now answered in the stickied FAQ in the Q&A section.
EDIT: Also, in the future, use search and look at that FAQ prior to starting a new thread, mate. This has been asked a bajillion times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question,
I always wondered, never really bothered asking, what should the setting be "preferred network type" by default my NS shows GSM/CDMA auto (PRL)

slowz3r said:
Question,
I always wondered, never really bothered asking, what should the setting be "preferred network type" by default my NS shows GSM/CDMA auto (PRL)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found this for ya:
loganss said:
WCDMA preferred - The GSM phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 3G is favored more.
GSM only - The GSM phone is capable of using only 2G data communication. When the 2G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
WCDMA only - The GSM phone is capable of using only 3G data communication. When the 3G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
GSM auto (PRL) - The GSM phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 2G is favored more. This one is a bit confusing to me since PRL is associated mostly with CDMA technology and not GSM technology.
CDMA auto (PRL) - The CDMA phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 2G is favored more.
CDMA only - The CDMA phone is capable of using only 2G data communication. When the 2G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
EvDo only - The CDMA phone is capable of using only 3G data communication. When the 3G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
GSM/CDMA auto (PRL) - Some phones are equipped with both GSM and CDMA capabilities. This setting appears to just have the phone attempt to stay connected to the data communication type that works the best. (Maybe the Samsung Galaxy S will take advantage of this???)
Unknown - If none of the above fit or the phone is acting weird as far as connecting to the carrier, you will see your preferred network type is set to this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source: http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/android/thread?tid=6a327a95211ac789&hl=en

unremarked said:
Found this for ya:
Source: http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/android/thread?tid=6a327a95211ac789&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still sorta understood all that, so should I just leave it where Im at, i mean it is what came with the phone stock after all

As was stated, when an active data connection is formed and there is activity then the status will change under settings. I have an attached screenshot for your viewing pleasure.

slowz3r said:
Still sorta understood all that, so should I just leave it where Im at, i mean it is what came with the phone stock after all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PRL is preferred roaming list, iirc. When searching for a network, it'll get preference to those that are on the list over those that aren't. Supposed to be battery savings.

unremarked said:
PRL is preferred roaming list, iirc. When searching for a network, it'll get preference to those that are on the list over those that aren't. Supposed to be battery savings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fair enough

I'm noticing this too. I get full HSDPA in the US on AT&T, but when I came to Taiwan and plugged in my prepaid sim for Taiwan Mobile which clearly has 7.2mbps HSPDA in this city, I only get the "3G" icon.
I did do the *#*#INFO#*#* to set my band to Euro which was how data kicked in. But otherwise it only shows "3G." Readingt he posts above, people say it idles on UMTS, but I have AT&T at home and it always shows the H icon. I can never the the H icon in Taiwan.
I have the 9020a which has 850/1900/2100, so I'm not understanding whats going on... Is the lack of 900 3G band hurting me?
Edit: I've been using this phone for 7 months on AT&T now and I just arrived in Taiwan last night....

正常啊。在 系統設定 - 關於手機 - 狀態 裡，看到 行動網路類型，會顯示為 hsdpa。這就是3.5g h了。雖然訊號顯示為3g，實際在支援hsdpa的地方會使用hsdpa的。
我是大陸的，語言可能不太好理解，見諒。

Network coverage issues or device ?

I'm having some problems with my G2 - I don't have good 3G coverage especially inside and my phone keeps dropping calls when on 3G. It seems the software doesn't reconnect that fast and doesn't switch to 2G when the 3G signal is too low. Is there any way to change the preferred network and stop the device being so agressive at keeping 3G connection?

Settings/networks/tethering & networks/mobile networks/network mode/GSM only.

I already know that. It is the most unhelpful advice to give. I have to constantly go into settings and change that? No way. It isn't in the notification toggles which is really odd. Any idea how to add it? I feel my G2 has some radio issues.
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk

axlastro said:
I already know that. It is the most unhelpful advice to give. I have to constantly go into settings and change that? No way. It isn't in the notification toggles which is really odd. Any idea how to add it? I feel my G2 has some radio issues.
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well if you're going to be like that then there's no wonder why there aren't a stream of responses on here with people trying to help you out.
Just remember, you're the one with the problem, so you may want to be a little nicer to those that try to give you help.

I'm sorry about that, but there wasn't a stream of responses in the first place. He was just stating the obvious, and the obvious is that the G2 doesn,t have a shortcut to switch between 2g and 3g. I'm just trying to figure out a way to do that, but all the apps that claim to do that and they are too many of them, just don't work. I'm thankful for any help, don't get me wrong.
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk

axlastro said:
I'm sorry about that, but there wasn't a stream of responses in the first place. He was just stating the obvious, and the obvious is that the G2 doesn,t have a shortcut to switch between 2g and 3g. I'm just trying to figure out a way to do that, but all the apps that claim to do that and they are too many of them, just don't work. I'm thankful for any help, don't get me wrong.
Sent from my LG-D802 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There isn't a solution as simple as hitting a switch, but you can try the following:
Go into your Dialer and tap in *#*#4636#*#*
This will take you into the Testing Menu
Select 'Phone Information'
Then about half way down you will have a drop down where you can "Set preferred network type:"
This will allow you to choose whether to use 2G or 3G, but more important to your case you can choose how it will react if signal strength is low.
You probably want to select something like "GSM auto (PRL)"
Bare in mind though that this option will reset itself back to original setting each time you reboot the device.
Now I don't know if this will solve your problem, but it is worth testing out.
Here's a list detailing the main available options:
WCDMA preferred - The GSM phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 3G is favored more.
GSM only - The GSM phone is capable of using only 2G data communication. When the 2G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
WCDMA only - The GSM phone is capable of using only 3G data communication. When the 3G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
GSM auto (PRL) - The GSM phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 2G is favored more.
CDMA auto (PRL) - The CDMA phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 2G is favored more.
CDMA only - The CDMA phone is capable of using only 2G data communication. When the 2G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
EvDo only - The CDMA phone is capable of using only 3G data communication. When the 3G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
GSM/CDMA auto (PRL) - Some phones are equipped with both GSM and CDMA capabilities. This setting appears to just have the phone attempt to stay connected to the data communication type that works the best.
Unknown - If none of the above fit or the phone is acting weird as far as connecting to the carrier, you will see your preferred network type is set to this

Wnderful setting.. amazing speed... performance of handset increased like rocket..
Thanks a lot...

Hi,
After dialing *#*#4636#*#*, it shows up the menu.
But i am not able to select Phone Information option. It says "This application does not work on this device".
Phone info: LG G2 D802 - Rooted - PowerG2 2.1 ROM.
I face frequent network signal drop, I tried CloudyG2 ROM also.
Thanks !