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How I solved my reception issues

K

kingp

Well-Known Member
Now this is a completely subjective post and YMMV but I was getting very weak and inconsistent reception here at my work. 1 to 2 bars with signal constantly dropping out.

I finally had enough, so here's what I did.

I rooted my device and installed Roam Control. I now force roam on Verizon's network and get 3 to 4 bars with no signal drop out. It's SOOOO nice to actually be able to use my phone and truthfully force roaming isn't as hard on the battery as I thought. I'm down to only 91% after 2+ hours. Yesterday I was down to 80% after 2+ hours on Sprint because my phone kept trying to keep signal.

Again, it's not a permanent fix, but this is what I did. Of course Sprint will probably cancel me for excessive roaming, but I don't care. I can make calls and use my data...for now.
 
kingp said:
Now this is a completely subjective post and YMMV but I was getting very weak and inconsistent reception here at my work. 1 to 2 bars with signal constantly dropping out.

I finally had enough, so here's what I did.

I rooted my device and installed Roam Control. I now force roam on Verizon's network and get 3 to 4 bars with no signal drop out. It's SOOOO nice to actually be able to use my phone and truthfully force roaming isn't as hard on the battery as I thought. I'm down to only 91% after 2+ hours. Yesterday I was down to 80% after 2+ hours on Sprint because my phone kept trying to keep signal.

Again, it's not a permanent fix, but this is what I did. Of course Sprint will probably cancel me for excessive roaming, but I don't care. I can make calls and use my data...for now.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure what service you use but Verizon does not have the Nexus S 4g. So if you are saying you use your Sprint phone on Verizon network then that is for sure some good work you have done. Please share the steps to your ROOT and ROM install.
 
SurrealOne said:
I'm not sure what service you use but Verizon does not have the Nexus S 4g. So if you are saying you use your Sprint phone on Verizon network then that is for sure some good work you have done. Please share the steps to your ROOT and ROM install.
Click to expand...

Well, obviously I use Sprint since I have the Nexus S 4G, and Sprint and Verizon are the two main CDMA networks here in the US, which means they are roaming partners. By rooting your device you can install apps like Roam Control which will force your CDMA radio onto the Verizon network, using your phones PRL (preferred roaming list).

As for tips to rooting, your best bet is to look here in the "All Things Root" forum for the Nexus S 4G. Those forums have much better info than I can provide you. :)
 
socodef said:
What does that do to your bill? Anything?
Click to expand...

Sprint loves to cancel people that roam too much, so worst case scenario is they will cancel my line, but I'll just sign up for a new one since we have the family plan, and get a new phone...and do the same thing again...lol.
 
SurrealOne said:
Well it looks like you got it all worked out. How is DATA speed when ROAMING?
Click to expand...

About as bad as when I have access to Sprint 3G. It's doesn't matter though because if I need fast speeds, I can always hook up with WiMAX. I get great coverage with WiMAX but the 3G is really slow. It's odd but it works.

So yes, it looks like I DO have EVERYTHING worked out. :)
 
Your idea sounded great to me, I downloaded the app ($3.99). But when I'm roaming I have no 3G data. Any time an app tries to get data a window pops up "No Network Connection". I have no 4G data either, it's not available in my city yet... (sigh)
 
jmm92108 said:
Your idea sounded great to me, I downloaded the app ($3.99). But when I'm roaming I have no 3G data. Any time an app tries to get data a window pops up "No Network Connection". I have no 4G data either, it's not available in my city yet... (sigh)
Click to expand...

Make sure you check that data roaming is enabled under Wireless and Networks, Mobile Networks, Data Roaming (enable by putting a check in the box).

Try that, you should now have roaming data. Beware that it will fluctuate between 3G and 1xRTT depending on Verizons towers in your area.
 
Oops, yes you're right, I realized that I had roaming data turned off shortly after writing the post. I've tried roaming in a few different places where I should have a good 3G Verizon signal but I'm only getting 1XRTT. Maybe Verizon limits data for people roaming on its network?? I'll keep testing...
 
I havent noticed a problem with my phone call talk reception. Its just as good as any other phone I've had. I do however notice that data connectivity is a little slower and spottier than I would like.
The reason to use Roam Control is if you're in a place at the edge of Sprint tower reception. Your phone might be struggling to get a signal and it might frequently switch between Sprint and roaming (Verizon) and this depletes the battery fast. And your call quality will be horrible.
I tried Roam Control to see if it would improve my 3G data speeds, and it didn't. It made it worse. I drove to a Verizon store and parked 20 feet from the front door and switched to Roaming Only. (I did this because I assume a store would only be in a location where it has a good signal). I only got 1XRTT. I then drove 25 miles from North San Diego to Downtown with my phone in my hand and watched it and never once did it have 3G.
Is this because Verizon uses a different 3G technology, or because Verizon doesn't allow roamers to use their 3G?
 
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