3G indication

[AdLo]

Hi vodacom3G,

My 3G tower is NOT displaying "3G" but instead of the downwards pointing key icon in the top left part of the screen that indicates network signal strength.
Currently the tower alternates between showing the tower name and the text that it's 3G and HSDPA enabled but the the signal strength icon hasn't changed and is still the normal icon.

Thanks

 

[ic]

Interesting, but I think more info is required here:

1. Modem make & model;
2. Dashboard software & version that you're using;
3. A screenshot would be useful...

 

[ic]

Ok, ic what you mean.

Some possibilities:

Maybe the 2G signal in your area is stronger than the 3G signal, and the phone is ignoring 3G.

Remember that the "3G & HSDPA enabled" message is broadcast only by 2G base-stations, and the footprint of a 2G base-station's signal is larger than the footprint of a 3G base-station's signal mounted on the same mast, so you could easily be outside of the official coverage area of a 3G base-station in your area.

What does Vodacom's 3G coverage map say for the area(s) where you're not getting 3G coverage?

If there is a way of setting the phone to use 3G only, then do this for a short while to see if you can force the phone to use 3G, if it works then go outdoors to run some speed tests with a notebook & USB cable.

 

[ic]

...
When I am upstairs (North) I get 3G indicator!
...

I recommend doing some speed tests to see what the throughput will be like - considering that throughput is highly dependent on signal quality and signal strength, and since you already know that you're in a dead zone...

An external antenna mounted outdoors, might help if your cellery phone has a connector for an external antenna - have a look at this forum's current sponsor site...

 

[rudirautenbach]

AdLo,

OK you say you are using an N73. I have an N80, and there is a setting where you can select to connect to the network using either just GSM, UMTS or both. It appears that your phone is currently on GMS only, which will prevent you from connecting to any tower transmitting on the 3G band.

On my N80, I go to Tools, Settings, Network. Under Network settings there is a "Network Mode" setting, which can be changed to one of either "dual", "UMTS" or "GSM". Select the "dual" mode. Do not select UMTS only as this will prevent access to your network if you are in an area without UMTS transmission.

Does your phone have the 3G indicator under the signal bars?

Try this, perhaps it helps.

 

[vodacom3g]

Adlo, ic is quite correct (shock, horror.... ), you're on the edge of a 3G cell, so you are picking up 2G most of the time, unless you go to the top.

Drop [email protected] an e-mail with all your details and request the guys look at the 3G signal in your area. If the can easily do something (adjust an antenna, etc.) they will, otherwise your request will at least bump your area up in the priority list.