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Help Signal drops completely - HTC Desire S

one way i have found to sort this problem out ( touch wood lol) was to:

Go into Settings----- select wireless & networks

Select mobile network settings ----------- Network Mode

Then select GSM only

since then i have had no problems
 
@strongbow128

I did it another way earlier in this thread....by following the advice here; http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=2523297&page=2
But it is only a temporary fix and I still ended up with the signal dropping out
plus the Inet will be slow.

Quick update, my temporary fix by switching to GSM only, has helped get a more stable signal, BUT this is only a temporary solution and I did still have it lose signal one day when I looked at the phone but after a while the signal did come back, Which didn't happen when I was WCDMA preferred or GSM auto (PRL).

Plus as I am continually switching back and forth between GSM only and WCDMA preferred every time I need to use the internet, having the phone disconnect and then reconnect to the selected mode, similar to turning ON and OFF Aeroplane mode (or rebooting), which I had to do when I lost signal. This problably does not give my phone to chance to drop the signal.


 
Hi guys,
Having read the thread, I'm glad to say its not just me having this problem!

Although, I have a Desire. Build number 2.12.

Have contacted o2 who told me to just take out the battery n sim n "give it a good clean" :/
Other than that, they couldn't give me any further support as I'm on a Sim only contract and bought my handset off ebay.

Do you recommend I follow the downgrade instructions? as I have no warranty anyway!
 
Tried the online support chat.



You have been connected to Rob.
Rob: Hi Sharon, thank you for contacting HTC Support, I am looking in to your query now.

Rob: Have you tried another SIM card?

Sharon: thanks

Sharon: yes same problem

Rob: Could you provide me with the serial number of the mobile phone?

Sharon: signal stays at around -106dBm


Rob: OK have you tried changing the signal?

Sharon: yes, still drops after a while

Rob: Have you tried a hard reset?

Sharon: yes

Rob: Can only book the phone into repair if you wish to proceed?

Sharon: thing is, i've done some research online and on the HTC forums, ppl appear to be having the same problems. With repair still not solving the problem

Sharon: http://androidforums.com/htc-desire-s/396171-signal-drops-completely-htc-desire-s-8.html

Rob: Page not found. There could be a broken antenna, the sms arriving late is only a known issue with the Desire S and 2.3

Sharon: ah ok. they have narrowed it down to a software update.. and it appear mine seems to be the same. The phone has been fine, until around 2 or 3 weeks ago

Rob: This hasn't been a issue with the standard desire

Rob: Your phone would need to go into repair to resolve this

Sharon: ok thanks for your help


Perhaps I should just book it in :s Getting quite annoyed now as missed call from a job agency. Luckily they left a vmail but not many ppl do!
 
Spoke to htc about it today on their chat, the advisor was saying about the gsm method, and drivvled something about no planned current updates but there being an update to ice cream sandwich in the works. I honestly don't think they have a clue from one person to the next what they're on about

Tom: had a query about signal loss, which i've read is another issue with this update (using an app to work around it at the moment to reset the signal by putting it into and out of areoplane mode) was wodnering if you knew if any updates were due for the phone on o2 soon?

Gemma: There are no planned updates, the android ice cream sandwich is currently in planning to be rolled out to network devices but no date set yet, some customers have found it beneficial with signal issues to change to GSM only as this helps with signal droppage. Change the preferred network type to:

GSM auto (PRL) instead of WCDMA preferred
GSM auto (PRL) - The GSM phone is capable of using both 2G, 3G and H data communication and when signal strength is low 2G is favored more.

Change that in:

*#*#4636#*#* - Phone information - Preferred network type

Basically GSM auto uses an indexed list of frequencies on which the device may search for particular systems. The idea behind the acquisition table is to optimize the acquisition time by identifying only the frequencies that should be searched, rather than searching the entire frequency spectrum. The information contained in each acquisition table entry includes an index, the network type, and associated channel blocks.

Tom: ok thank you
Gemma: No problem, glad to help. Thank you for contacting us. I hope you have a great day.

Think I'm going to stick with the signal reset app in all honsty.
 
I had the same problem as people on here. Losing signal only able to get it back by re starting phone. Delayed or none existent texts, but worse if all about 50% of incoming calls wouldn't get through. The only cure was to put it into 'gsm only' mode. Which meant I had a modern all singing dancing smartphone with no 3G. Paying for data I was unable to use. 2g is just so slow.

Anyway just like to say thanks to schneide and the instructions he put on here I have now rolled back the software. I followed it all exactly and it worked a treat. No more FOTA for me. Phone works great now and I intend to keep it that way.

Thanks again
 
I've been followimg this thread for a while now as I am having the signal loss problems. Been in touch with 02 today and after much messing around was informed tha 02 UK are not going to release the new update that is required because "some functions have been removed on this version to make it fit the phone" and that "either it goes for repair or you update it yourself".
Come on 02 this really isn't good enough as other networks are getting this.
I also am not sure how to do this and where to get to original HTC relese of this new version from as I only want the update and to be able to recieve any further updates OTA as they arrive.
 
Radio 3822.10.08.04M rolling out soon with a few few extra surprises install, can't say no more than that but service seems OK.

Thanks for the insider knowledge 'Deep Throat'; you must be taking a risk keeping us up to date so really appreciate the info. ;)
 
Hi everyone

I have been experiencing the same problem for some time, and have found this thread really useful, so thanks!

After many discussions with both o2 and HTC where they both seemed to be completely unaware of this issue, I finally had the following response from HTC today via their live chat support:

Karin: Okay, I have discussed this with a colleague and the issue is more apparent with o2 devices but occurs on others aswell, so don't worry about that part. The GSM alternative as mentioned earlier is a etmporary workaround as we are investigating this issue. I would like to escalate your case in order to provide our developers with some more information

Karin: Thank you. As I said we are currently investigating the isssue. When a solution is provided we will of course let our customers know. Until then I would advice you to stick to the workaround.
 
Hi All

I'm another one having the same problem! However my phone has not been upgraded, still running 1.31.

My phone had no signal when out shopping, so I went to a near buy 02 shop to show them.

Initially I was told just to turn the phone off and on - clearly unacceptable fix but it went from no signal to full signal in front of them.
They gave me a new SIM, can't say I believe this is a viable solution but I'll give it a go over the next week.

Just been sitting here reading these threads and watching my phone signal going up and down. Signal drops a lot just when I pick it up.

Reading all the previous threads I believe the DS is not fit for purpose and should be replaced. This model clearly has a technical problem and I don't see why the customer should be expected to go to all these measure to fix it.

O2 and HTC, please take this VERY seriously your reputation is at stake. HTC has (or had) a good name, that's why I bought one. Please fix this quickly
 
Yes add me to the list.
The story so far;
Accepted the upgrade (bad move)
At first the signal would drop out and the signal bar indicator would show a cross through it even though I was in a strong signal area. Remedy was to put phone airplane mode then out again.
Only a short fix as it wouldn
 
I recieved the update with Android 2.3.5 and Sense 3.0 couple of days ago and everything is working just fine.
I don't know why but somehow to me it seems like the battery life is slightly better after the update.
 
Hello Everybody,

I have just discovered this thread, and i ofcourse am suffering the same problem with my HTC Desire S.

I went to my 02 Store today (Before i saw this thread) and did a Sim Swap, and ofcourse, still suffering the problems.

After reading the entire thread, and speaking to 02 Customer Service (Who would now like me to send my phone to them for a repair) i would like some advice on what you guys did.

I noticed some people on here have had the problem fixed by their phones providers sending them a new phone e.g Downgraded Desire S/Sensation.

How did you go about getting this?

Also, from what i read, it seems that 02 are not updating the HTC Desire S to the new Android, and also not allowing us to enjoy the new 3.0 sense? Am i right on that fact?
 
hi everyone. been following this thread closely and decided it was time to post, more the merrier and all that lol. ive got a desire S and am having the same problems as everyone else, (late texts - got 7 texts one after another yesterday at 12:30 and the time stamp on the earliest one was 9:30!, low signal, slower internet - at places where before i would have a very good signal.) after installing the update. i am with T-mobile though and there doesnt seem to be many people on this thread on T-mobile. i dont really want to roll back software and invalidate warrenty, but i just really wish they would hurry up with a update to fix this mess! do people think T-mobile will get one as there doesnt seem to be many complaining from T-mobile on here??
and also will some one who knows what they on about explain simply to me why the messsaging app 'hancent' is able to deliver messages on time but the default phone messaging isnt?? (as im thinking of using the app untill an update)

@mc.crab what network you with??
 
Just got the new update notification for the Sense 3.0 OTA, there are a couple of bugs I've read about on XDA but if it gets rid of the main issue and I can switch 3G back on that's all I care about!

It's an unbranded handset by the way.

UPDATE: Installed fine and all looks good, none of the bugs mentioned on XDA are present on this update (2.10.410.5 I think). Can't comment on the signal issues as I don't live in a 3G area but will find out soon.
 
hi everyone. been following this thread closely and decided it was time to post, more the merrier and all that lol. ive got a desire S and am having the same problems as everyone else, (late texts - got 7 texts one after another yesterday at 12:30 and the time stamp on the earliest one was 9:30!, low signal, slower internet - at places where before i would have a very good signal.) after installing the update. i am with T-mobile though and there doesnt seem to be many people on this thread on T-mobile. i dont really want to roll back software and invalidate warrenty, but i just really wish they would hurry up with a update to fix this mess! do people think T-mobile will get one as there doesnt seem to be many complaining from T-mobile on here??
and also will some one who knows what they on about explain simply to me why the messsaging app 'hancent' is able to deliver messages on time but the default phone messaging isnt?? (as im thinking of using the app untill an update)

@mc.crab what network you with??

hi there,im with tmobile and im having the same issues everyone else is with the "limited service" and late text messages,my phone has been sent off twice now and im totaly fed up now,after reading all the posts on this thread im not confident at that it will be ok when its returned,tmobile dont seem to care all they say is it will have to be sent off for repair and as for htc,well, they dont seem to be aware of the problem
 
@bazzatips171

dont think sending it offs goin get you anywhere mate, just got sit tight for this update, now if you'll excuse me ive got 8 messages to read that have all come through only just with the earliest one being from 11:30 am :(:(:mad:
 
@bazzatips171

dont think sending it offs goin get you anywhere mate, just got sit tight for this update, now if you'll excuse me ive got 8 messages to read that have all come through only just with the earliest one being from 11:30 am :(:(:mad:

its still at the repair centre,tmobile say it has to be returned 3 times then they will replace it,ill just wait for it to **** up again then get a new phone,is there definitely an update coming then???
 
hi everyone. been following this thread closely and decided it was time to post, more the merrier and all that lol. ive got a desire S and am having the same problems as everyone else, (late texts - got 7 texts one after another yesterday at 12:30 and the time stamp on the earliest one was 9:30!, low signal, slower internet - at places where before i would have a very good signal.) after installing the update. i am with T-mobile though and there doesnt seem to be many people on this thread on T-mobile. i dont really want to roll back software and invalidate warrenty, but i just really wish they would hurry up with a update to fix this mess! do people think T-mobile will get one as there doesnt seem to be many complaining from T-mobile on here??
and also will some one who knows what they on about explain simply to me why the messsaging app 'hancent' is able to deliver messages on time but the default phone messaging isnt?? (as im thinking of using the app untill an update)

@mc.crab what network you with??

Hi Leono1,

I'm on Virgin Mobile UK who also use T-Mobile's UK's network. Not had any OTE updates as of yet and am just persevering with the Signal Reset app but hopefully we'll hear something soon.
 
New update works great, like the new interface and the problem with signal seems to be completely fixed. Seems like unbranded handsets are still getting the update slowly, if your handset is branded then it's just a case of hassling the networks I guess, good luck!
 
New update works great, like the new interface and the problem with signal seems to be completely fixed. Seems like unbranded handsets are still getting the update slowly, if your handset is branded then it's just a case of hassling the networks I guess, good luck!

what new upgrade is this?? and what is an unbranded handset?? my desire s is at the repair centre :( its been there for 3 weeks now i got it from tmobile on a 2 year contract,

thanks:)
 
what new upgrade is this?? and what is an unbranded handset?? my desire s is at the repair centre :( its been there for 3 weeks now i got it from tmobile on a 2 year contract,

thanks:)

There is an update being pushed out by HTC which gives you Android 2.3.5 and Sense UI 3.0, it also includes a new radio to fix the signal issue and generally improve reception, also faster GPS fix I think.

Phones bought sim free are unbranded, i.e. no network software on them so the update is received straight from HTC, if your phone is on a contract it's likely to be branded so you may have to wait longer for T-Mobile to approve their own version of the update. The version I am currently on is 2.10.410.5.

More details here, 65 pages of info to go through!
 
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