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[Q] [32A] [Solved, THX] No 3G(UMTS/HSDPA) reception with AT&T

Hi guys,
I just arrive US and got an AT&T sim, I use the same HTC Magic (32A) I used to use in Taiwan but I got no 3G reception
I'm quite sure the 32A magic can operate on AT&T's 3G Mobile Network since it has:
HSDPA/WCDMA: 900/2100MHz
Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850/900/1800/1900MHz
Anyone know why?
I got no Data Plane with my SIM, I'm using a "Nation 1440" family plan.
I got the correct APN set on my phone (though it has no relation with 3G reception)
I'm now using New Radio (6.35.10.18), 1.76.2007 SPL, ROM is Smoki 0.7.6.
The RF Signal Tracker said my Network Type is "EDGE"
I also checked with ATT and they said I got excellent 3G reception in my neighborhood.
And I'm sure I didn't set the phone to work in 2G network only.
This set up works perfectly in Taiwan, so I got no idea what's happening?

ma1121 said:
I got no Data Plane with my SIM, I'm using a "Nation 1440" family plan.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm no rocket scientist but I reckon that you got no 3G because you don't have the Data Plan... I would recommend adding the Data Plan, then testing out the reception, and seeing if you get 3G coverage. I don't think there is a fee for canceling Data if it turns out that you still get no 3G, at-least not with T-Mobile and AT&T that I know of. I've added and removed Data Plans a few times without many consequences.

shafiq265 said:
I reckon that you got no 3G because you don't have the Data Plan...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I thought in the first place, so I called the customer service and they told me that reception has nothing to do with Data Plane.
Which still make sense to me because from my knowledge, the registration of 3G/2G network is not that essentially related to Data Plane since UMTS / GSM is just a RF technology, normal voice service can also operate on a 3G (to be more precise, the UMTS) network.
But I'm not that familiar the US carrier's policy, so there's still the possibility that a SIM with no data plan is prohibit from registering to a 3G network.
I'll try to find a SIM with Data Plane and put it in my Magic, see how it works...
(My relative happened to be using iPhone 3GS with data plane)

ma1121 said:
I'll try to find a SIM with Data Plane and put it in my Magic, see how it works...
(My relative happened to be using iPhone 3GS with data plane)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That would be the best bet. Experiment with different sim cards to rule out a problem with the device itself. My opinion would be to take it to an AT&T dealer to quickly cycle through sim cards, if they have any with Data on hand.

I'm quite sure the 32A magic can operate on AT&T's 3G Mobile Network since it has:
HSDPA/WCDMA: 900/2100MHz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AT&T uses HSDPA/WCDMA 850/1900MHz for 3G, so you won't be able to get it on that phone. T-Mobile uses 1700/2100 so you might be able to get it with them. Call and see what frequencies the towers in your area use.
Good luck.

oldnoob said:
AT&T uses HSDPA/WCDMA 850/1900MHz for 3G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I google for a while this afternoon and found that too...
The problem is I do have 850MHz & 1900MHz but thay ONLY operate on GSM, not WCDMA.
T-Mobile uses 1700MHz for down-stream (or up-stream? I forgot). I only have 2100MHz so I suppose I'll have no luck with T-Mo as well.
I guess I'll do without 3G for a while, until I have more budget to get a new Android phone that do operate on ATT's 3G network
Ps. I cross tested my SIM using my relative's iPhone 3G, sure enough, my SIM has 3G reception without question.
Thanks for help from all of u.

what networks does the note work on in the US?

Does the Note work with any networks 4g? AT&T or T-Mobile maybe?
Does it work with T-Mobile's 3g at least? If so, any idea what is up and download speeds are?
Im thinking about getting this phone.

It works on ATT's H+ "4g network", 3g network, and 2g edge network.
and T-Mobile's 2g Edge network, not 3g or 4g.
And it should work on any other GSM Carrier in the US, just check the frequencies for 3g internet(if its the same as ATT, and if it is, it's most likely a subsidy of ATT anyway)

Spartan2x said:
It works on ATT's H+ "4g network", 3g network, and 2g edge network.
and T-Mobile's 2g Edge network, not 3g or 4g.
And it should work on any other GSM Carrier in the US, just check the frequencies for 3g internet(if its the same as ATT, and if it is, it's most likely a subsidy of ATT anyway)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, im glad i asked. looks like i'll have to move to at&t then. No way could I use this phone on just 2g

Data on TMobile G2 w/ ATT gophone

I was wondering why I can only get EDGE on my TMobile G2 phone... is it because of the GSM incompatibility that some TMobile phones have with the ATT network or am I doing something wrong?

Does your phone support 1900 MHz UTMS? That would be a problem. If it does then use *#0011# and make sure the bands are unlocked.
Sent from my xt862 using xda app-developers app

MrObvious said:
Does your phone support 1900 MHz UTMS? That would be a problem. If it does then use *#0011# and make sure the bands are unlocked.
Sent from my xt862 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got "connection problem or invalid MMI code" when I ran that.
Edit: Did a bit more research and it turns out that it does *not* support 1900 MHz UTMS for 3G, so basically, this phone + ATT network = no 3G service, as the hardware is incompatible.

M!x said:
I got "connection problem or invalid MMI code" when I ran that.
Edit: Did a bit more research and it turns out that it does *not* support 1900 MHz UTMS for 3G, so basically, this phone + ATT network = no 3G service, as the hardware is incompatible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Someone doing their own research? Get the hell out.
Actually, I don't think the G2 even does 3G on anything but AWS. The HTC Desire Z (identical but without carrier branding) has a version that supports AT&T 3G, however.

luftrofl said:
Someone doing their own research? Get the hell out.
Actually, I don't think the G2 even does 3G on anything but AWS. The HTC Desire Z (identical but without carrier branding) has a version that supports AT&T 3G, however.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

MrObvious said:
Does your phone support 1900 MHz UTMS? That would be a problem. If it does then use *#0011# and make sure the bands are unlocked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you explain what you mean by "use *#0011# and make sure the bands are unlocked"? My Samsung phone can't get 4g service here on T-Mobile and it doesn't do 3G so I'd really like to enable HSPA+ if that's possible. I don't see anything on that screen that I can unlock though.

stevec5000 said:
Can you explain what you mean by "use *#0011# and make sure the bands are unlocked"? My Samsung phone can't get 4g service here on T-Mobile and it doesn't do 3G so I'd really like to enable HSPA+ if that's possible. I don't see anything on that screen that I can unlock though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Check which UMTS (3G) bands your phone supports - I suspect yours does not support T-Mobile's 3G band (IV). The information is usually available on wikipedia or gsmarena.
You do not "enable" 3G through software changes. Your phone supports it or it doesn't.

luftrofl said:
Check which UMTS (3G) bands your phone supports - I suspect yours does not support T-Mobile's 3G band (IV). The information is usually available on wikipedia or gsmarena.
You do not "enable" 3G through software changes. Your phone supports it or it doesn't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It does support band IV, 1700Mhz, but it doesn't do HSPA+ so it can't get 3G. That screen still doesn't tell me anything though.
GSMArena says it has 3G Networking on HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 2100 / 1900 but that's not true. There is no 2100Mhz band, not on mine anyway. Actually GSMArena isn't very complete or very accurate, it don't even list the model T959V!

stevec5000 said:
It does support band IV, 1700Mhz, but it doesn't do HSPA+ so it can't get 3G. That screen still doesn't tell me anything though.
GSMArena says it has 3G Networking on HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 2100 / 1900 but that's not true. There is no 2100Mhz band, not on mine anyway. Actually GSMArena isn't very complete or very accurate, it don't even list the model T959V!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not how HSPA+ works - it's essentially just faster 3G. Also, I found your phone on GSMArena, not sure how you searched but the information is all there and it supports band IV (1700/2100) and I (2100).
Are you sure you've enabled 3G (or deselected "Use only 2G networks")?
What is the history of the phone (bought new, used, etc.)? It should "just work" on T-Mobile as it's T-Mobile branded but, no offense, your details are a little vague.

luftrofl said:
That's not how HSPA+ works - it's essentially just faster 3G. Also, I found your phone on GSMArena, not sure how you searched but the information is all there and it supports band IV (1700/2100) and I (2100).
Are you sure you've enabled 3G (or deselected "Use only 2G networks")?
What is the history of the phone (bought new, used, etc.)? It should "just work" on T-Mobile as it's T-Mobile branded but, no offense, your details are a little vague.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry if I was vague but it doesn't "just work" on T-Mobile! At first I though all Exhibit II models would be the same however they could have different versions like the Galaxy 2 that has an older version for 3G and a newer version that also now gets 4G, who knows.
The phone was purchased new a few months ago and is still stock. I know HSPA+ is faster 3G since I can get it on 1700Mhz on another device using the T-Mobile SIM from the Exhibit 2. Can't get HSPA+ or 3G on the Exhibit 2 though.
Yes the phone is on GSMArena but the info is not accurate, it claims the phone gets 3G and has a 2100Mhz band but that's not true. It only supports band IV on 1700.
There is no option to enable 3G or "Use only 2G networks". It has options for WCDMA (for 4G on 1700) or GSM (for Edge on 1900) but there is no setting in between for 3G or HSPA+. I tried setting it to WCDMA only but it defaults back to Auto using Edge unless I go to a T-Mobile store where they have a strong 4G signal that gives 5 bars. If I leave the store and go down the street there's no signal though.
I have verified that WCDMA for 4G is on 1700 and GSM for Edge is on 1900 using a spectrum analyzer but it never uses 2100 and has never used 3G anywhere in the Phoenix, Mesa or Scottsdale area, just Edge. There may be other modes and frequencies but I haven't been able to verify them.
If there is a way to turn on 3G I'd like to know what it is? Someone suggested dialing *#32489# clicking #3 then UTMS but that didn't do anything.

stevec5000 said:
Sorry if I was vague but it doesn't "just work" on T-Mobile! At first I though all Exhibit II models would be the same however they could have different versions like the Galaxy 2 that has an older version for 3G and a newer version that also now gets 4G, who knows.
The phone was purchased new a few months ago and is still stock. I know HSPA+ is faster 3G since I can get it on 1700Mhz on another device using the T-Mobile SIM from the Exhibit 2. Can't get HSPA+ or 3G on the Exhibit 2 though.
Yes the phone is on GSMArena but the info is not accurate, it claims the phone gets 3G and has a 2100Mhz band but that's not true. It only supports band IV on 1700.
There is no option to enable 3G or "Use only 2G networks". It has options for WCDMA (for 4G on 1700) or GSM (for Edge on 1900) but there is no setting in between for 3G or HSPA+. I tried setting it to WCDMA only but it defaults back to Auto using Edge unless I go to a T-Mobile store where they have a strong 4G signal that gives 5 bars. If I leave the store and go down the street there's no signal though.
I have verified that WCDMA for 4G is on 1700 and GSM for Edge is on 1900 using a spectrum analyzer but it never uses 2100 and has never used 3G anywhere in the Phoenix, Mesa or Scottsdale area, just Edge. There may be other modes and frequencies but I haven't been able to verify them.
If there is a way to turn on 3G I'd like to know what it is? Someone suggested dialing *#32489# clicking #3 then UTMS but that didn't do anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't know where to begin but let me get this straight...
-You bought a new Exhibit II from T-Mobile.
-It doesn't get 3G outside of the store.
-Your other T-Mobile compatible device gets 3G outside of the store.
-You've owned this same Exhibit II which hasn't been connecting to 3G for months.
On these points alone, am I understanding you correctly?

luftrofl said:
I don't know where to begin but let me get this straight...
-You bought a new Exhibit II from T-Mobile.
-It doesn't get 3G outside of the store.
-Your other T-Mobile compatible device gets 3G outside of the store.
-You've owned this same Exhibit II which hasn't been connecting to 3G for months.
On these points alone, am I understanding you correctly?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Close but not quite correct, it doesn't get 4G outside of the store.
It can't get 3G at all anywhere!
Since there is no 4G network is there a way to turn on or enable 3G or is it hopeless?

stevec5000 said:
Close but not quite correct, it doesn't get 4G outside of the store.
It can't get 3G at all anywhere!
Since there is no 4G network is there a way to turn on or enable 3G or is it hopeless?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a previous post you said that you "know" what I'm talking about but clearly that is not the case.
What T-Mobile calls 4G is actually 3G with improvements to the backhaul as well as the radios on the phones - where T-Mobile has 4G, it also has 3G.
The point of my last post was to make it obvious that you have a defective phone. I shouldn't have assumed you would figure it as you haven't figured it out in the months you've owned a phone that obviously has reception issues.

luftrofl said:
In a previous post you said that you "know" what I'm talking about but clearly that is not the case.
What T-Mobile calls 4G is actually 3G with improvements to the backhaul as well as the radios on the phones - where T-Mobile has 4G, it also has 3G.
The point of my last post was to make it obvious that you have a defective phone. I shouldn't have assumed you would figure it as you haven't figured it out in the months you've owned a phone that obviously has reception issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Again not true! What they call 4G is using WCDMA but 3G is using HSPA+. 3G using HSPA+ has improvements that will allow it to go up to 20Mb but my Android phone doesn't have an option for 3G, just 4G using WCDMA. The people at the T-Mobile stores would beg to differ with you about the phone being bad since I've been to 5 T-Mobile stores and they say the phone works OK since it can get 4G on 1700Mhz in the store.

stevec5000 said:
Again not true! What they call 4G is using WCDMA but 3G is using HSPA+. 3G using HSPA+ has improvements that will allow it to go up to 20Mb but my Android phone doesn't have an option for 3G, just 4G using WCDMA. The people at the T-Mobile stores would beg to differ with you about the phone being bad since I've been to 5 T-Mobile stores and they say the phone works OK since it can get 4G on 1700Mhz in the store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your posts are too long to be trolling, but it still feels like you are because everything you post is wrong.
In case you're not trolling:
-Your phone has hardware defects that are affecting how well it connects to 3G.
-The fact that you get reception in stores is likely because stores have signal boosters.
-Retail employees are idiots. They are trained to use the products just enough to sell them (read: not much) and aren't paid enough to attract anyone with half a brain to the position. Walk a block away from the store and show them that your phone doesn't connect to 3G (or "4G" if you still want to call it that).

stevec5000 said:
Again not true! What they call 4G is using WCDMA but 3G is using HSPA+. 3G using HSPA+ has improvements that will allow it to go up to 20Mb but my Android phone doesn't have an option for 3G, just 4G using WCDMA. The people at the T-Mobile stores would beg to differ with you about the phone being bad since I've been to 5 T-Mobile stores and they say the phone works OK since it can get 4G on 1700Mhz in the store.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
luftrofl said:
Your posts are too long to be trolling, but it still feels like you are because everything you post is wrong.
In case you're not trolling:
-Your phone has hardware defects that are affecting how well it connects to 3G.
-The fact that you get reception in stores is likely because stores have signal boosters.
-Retail employees are idiots. They are trained to use the products just enough to sell them (read: not much) and aren't paid enough to attract anyone with half a brain to the position. Walk a block away from the store and show them that your phone doesn't connect to 3G (or "4G" if you still want to call it that).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both of you are feeling like you're trolling.
It may be a tower issue or your phone. The only way to check is to use another phone.

AT&T LG G2 unlocked to Tmobile. Can I get HSPA+?

I just bought an AT&T LG G2 plan on unlocking it for Tmobile/metropcs (they merged in my area) Will I be able to get full connections to everything once I unlock the phone for Tmobile network? I'd hate to realize I wont get any data or get very slow data after spending so much money.
Since MetroPCS uses Tmobiles system in my area but also still use their systems can I choose if I want to use a metropcs or a tmobile sim card? Or are they both on GSM towers and so there would be no difference? 4G for MetroPCS is available in my area but so is Tmobile HSPA+ which is better?

Not if you don't have the 1700 AWS band...

NRGZ28 said:
Not if you don't have the 1700 AWS band...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
not sure what you're saying. 4G is 2100. but other than that if i leave 4G area i wont have any reception at all?

4G uses different bandwidths. Not all carries use the same... Still the same old "GSM/CDMA" scenario, just a bit more relaxed.

AT&T LG G2on Tmobile...no signal! HELP!

Just bought an AT&T Lg G2 and unlocked it for Tmobile/Metropcs use and after setting APN settings I still have no connection at all. Im unable to send a single text, get online or anything. Im sure im doing something simple wrong. Tmobile has 4G in my area so i should get great speeds. Anyone got any ideas?
I've entered APN for both 4G and non 4G

Did you reboot? Probably did but it already, right?

yup I've rebooted multiple times. Went into Networks searched networks it found AT&T Tmobile and MetroPCS and a few others. i've tried AT&T tmobile and Tmobile LTE and Metro PCs...all with no luck

r1nstang said:
Just bought an AT&T Lg G2 and unlocked it for Tmobile/Metropcs use and after setting APN settings I still have no connection at all. Im unable to send a single text, get online or anything. Im sure im doing something simple wrong. Tmobile has 4G in my area so i should get great speeds. Anyone got any ideas?
I've entered APN for both 4G and non 4G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm afraid that the AT&T D800 does not support AWS/UMTS Bands, which are T-Mobile's main frequencies. I've just pulled this list from Wikipedia:
AT&T - D800
GSM 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS 850/1900/2100
LTE 1900(2)/1700(4)/850(5)/700(17)
T-Mobile - D801
GSM 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS 850/1700/1900/2100
LTE 1900(2)/1700(4)/700(17)
Namely, you are missing UMTS band 1700 which manages about 50% of T-Mobile customers' HSPA+ connection. That being said, the fact that you cannot connect to T-Mobile's LTE band 1700 is weird. Also, UMTS band 1900 should also work.
Perhaps you're in an area with ONLY UMTS 1700 which would not work with the AT&T LG G2. Do you know if there's LTE coverage in your area?

Sacrosaint said:
I'm afraid that the AT&T D800 does not support AWS/UMTS Bands, which are T-Mobile's main frequencies. I've just pulled this list from Wikipedia:
AT&T - D800
GSM 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS 850/1900/2100
LTE 1900(2)/1700(4)/850(5)/700(17)
T-Mobile - D801
GSM 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS 850/1700/1900/2100
LTE 1900(2)/1700(4)/700(17)
Namely, you are missing UMTS band 1700 which manages about 50% of T-Mobile customers' HSPA+ connection. That being said, the fact that you cannot connect to T-Mobile's LTE band 1700 is weird. Also, UMTS band 1900 should also work.
Perhaps you're in an area with ONLY UMTS 1700 which would not work with the AT&T LG G2. Do you know if there's LTE coverage in your area?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I am in DFW area which is one of the largest LTE areas Tmobile has. I'm unable to get a connection at all. It says phone is for "emergencies only" I cant make calls, text, or use web.

Sounds like the phone is not SIM unlocked. Need to verify it is SIM unlocked. Also where did you buy it. If the phone was bought from a person it could have been reported stolen or lost and blocked from T-Mobile.
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

craigbailey1986 said:
Sounds like the phone is not SIM unlocked. Need to verify it is SIM unlocked. Also where did you buy it. If the phone was bought from a person it could have been reported stolen or lost and blocked from T-Mobile.
Sent from my VS980 4G using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought it off Swappa. Ill try the unlock code again but it said it was unlocked. it doesnt come up with any error when i put the new sim card in anymore.

You're likely in an area that does not have HSPA 1900 coverage; and since you're AT&T variant doesn't support the band, is showing no service. Locking onto LTE wouldn't help as HSPA is required for voice access.
I created a thread in the Q&A asking for ways to enable the missing AWS band on our AT&T / Canadian variant handsets. It was doable on Samsung and am hoping it can be done on our handsets.

turns out MetroPCS had to activate it. you cant just stick a sim into a new phone. they have to activate it on your account. $15 later (yeah i know...its BS) but the Lg G2 is up and running and getting 4G speeds