OK. Well, I wrestled with this 1x roaming thing all weekend.
At one point, I even managed to deactivate my account completely, so even with a 1x roaming signal every call told me that I could not send or receive calls. I had to call Sprint customer service to get me back on the network, but they were unable to help with the the borked PRL. (Although the tech I worked with was patient, she ultimately concluded "we're doing tower upgrades in your area, so you will be without 3G service until Apr 9." My reply: "My wife's Optimus S is still connecting to 3G service." Her response: "Different phones receive network signals differently", which is the "I've spent too much time on the phone with you already" response.)
Well Bloodawn, ultimately what you suggested is what I needed to do-- I had to manually push a new PRL using PC software. The whole procedure seemed a bit intimidating, but I was encouraged by Wetbiker7's positive reports that he managed to make it work on his Marquee (thanks, wetbiker7!) and although the instructions are a little dense for a noob, I managed it (the steps are mostly but not entirely spelled out- you need some minor critical thinking/problem solving skills to work through it).
First of all, Sprint chat support provided me with my MSL code (phone programming code)- which was much quicker and easier than trying to figure it out using the logcat process, which I still never figured out. I just told the chat rep that I downloaded a corrupted PRL and I need my MSL code to force a new PRL. The whole process took two minutes. Easy.
Secondly, the strange series of links I followed (until I got to the page with the actual instructions) sent me to a page which first shows how to change my MSL code, and then only secondarily shows how to change the PRL. I was following the instructions for changing my MSL code before I realized I was barking up the wrong flagpole. I know it sounds obvious, but I can see how some noobs might follow directions blindly and then wind up with a totally borked phone because they can't remember what they changed their MSL code to.
Thirdly, the page instructs you to first dial some weird phone number... *983*87274#... which was totally unnecessary and I am still unsure why this is listed as part of the steps. (When I dialed the number while roaming, I got some strange Verizon message. When I dialed it after restoring Sprint service, I get a rapid busy tone).
Fourth, the instructions are specifically for some "ZTE" phone. It is not clear from the (multiple!!) referral links that got me to that page that I'm viewing instructions meant for another phone, and so when I'm using the software to attach to a com port, I was at first confused what to click on. Again, it's not a huge thing if you take the time to think about it and figure it out, but it's not immediately clear if you're going in relatively blind, like I was.
The rest of the directions were pretty straightforward. Once I pushed the new PRL and restarted the phone, suddenly those "upgraded towers" instantly repaired themselves and I had my 3G service back!
This is the direct link to the PRL fix for ZTE Warp phone (works also for LG Marquee if you click the Marquee link in the corresponding diagnostic Com port)
What an ordeal. I'm finally back to my old phone. No more futzing around with PRLs for me (unless I'm forced to!)
but.... google market is not downloading anything just in a constant state of "loading" ive tried installing ANYTHING from play store but no luck what so ever
