S3 LTE Advice

[Gty]

Hey Guys

I was would like to get some advice on a matter I currently have with my S3 LTE.

After eventually getting my network unlock code from Vodacom everything connected up and worked ok , however every couple hours my phone would de-register from the network. I could see it was disconnected as soon as my 3G icon in the upper right corner disappeared. While it is de registered I cannot make any calls and incoming calls go right to voicemail.I have since taken to Auto network feature Off ( LTE/GSM/WCDMA ) and selected WCDMA ONLY. Since I've done this the phone has not de registered and I haven't needed to restart it.

Should I be taking the phone back to Vodacom for a possible fault or is this a common problem ?

I appreciate your feedback , thanks.

 

[PH123]

Hi, same problem, same solution, cant find a better answer yet..

 

[jannievanzyl]

Have you provisioned your SIM for the LTE APN?

 

[thoonsil]

Hey Guys

I was would like to get some advice on a matter I currently have with my S3 LTE.

After eventually getting my network unlock code from Vodacom everything connected up and worked ok , however every couple hours my phone would de-register from the network. I could see it was disconnected as soon as my 3G icon in the upper right corner disappeared. While it is de registered I cannot make any calls and incoming calls go right to voicemail.I have since taken to Auto network feature Off ( LTE/GSM/WCDMA ) and selected WCDMA ONLY. Since I've done this the phone has not de registered and I haven't needed to restart it.

Should I be taking the phone back to Vodacom for a possible fault or is this a common problem ?

I appreciate your feedback , thanks.

had the very same issue..
u need to ask vdacom to enable LTE on ur line..once this ws activated, problem stopped...i did notice it dropeed netwrk connection...but like once a month..nothing major

 

[Mobus]

*dusts off old thread*
OP, any feedback? Did enabling your line for LTE solve your "not registered"/"emergency calls only" problem? Or are you just working around it like me?

My feeling is this is LTE coverage related. Weak reception seems to trigger the bug. Perhaps its also related to "fast dormancy" which is a 3G feature - on by default on the S3 LTE but not supported by Vodacom (as suggested here). Eitherway, fast dormancy might be the cause of faster battery drain. That said, I'm not sure if vodacom disabled fast formancy in their new S3 firmware since this user's post almost a year ago.

Some tips if other users come across this thread:
1. Make sure you are enabled for LTE (phone 111 or the vodacom self service site) and are using the LTE apn (you should get the right settings via *111# once your line is enabled for LTE).
2. Run the phone in gsm (or wcdma) only mode (which saves on battery too). Keep in mind, if you run in wcdma only mode, you'll also completely loose network connectivity if you leave a 3G reception area. Supposedly there is a way to put the phone in gsm/wcdma auto or wcdma preferred mode (no LTE) using the hidden Samsung service menu* - although I couldn't.
3. Switch manually to LTE/auto mode when you need high speed. I use a "shortcut" app called "4G Toggle" by "We make better apps" to quickly jump to the right android settings menu (I couldn't find a widget that do this automatically on android 4+. There seems to be no functions in the android 4 API to modify this setting programmatically).
4. I also run a app called "No coverage alert", which warns you if and when this bug is triggered. This could be very useful for troubleshooting this bug.
5. Something I haven't tried yet is to use the normal "internet" apn while the line is LTE enabled and the phone in LTE mode. Although you might not get the full LTE speed (which kinda defeats the purpose...).

In time I hope this resolves itself as Vodacom upgrades their LTE coverage.

 

[Mobus]

* Regarding the samsung service menu on the S3 LTE, dail *#197328640#

DISCLAIMER - ACCESS AT OWN RISK
Do be careful, I've read of people in the USA (using CDMA and not GSM) messing with GSM settings in the hidden system menu and basically bricking their phones. Note, WCDMA and CDMA are not the same things. We use GSM / UMTS / W-CDMA in South Africa, so be extra careful when mucking with CDMA settings. Also be careful around EFS and IMEI settings. BASICALLY - DONT CHANGE ANYTHING IF YOU DONT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING - BE WARNED!

 

[VodacomData]

Or

i can activate LTE apn

Regards
VodacomData

 

[Mobus]

Or

i can activate LTE apn

Regards
VodacomData

Hi VodacomData, any chance you can give us feedback regarding Vodacom's support for "fast dormancy" on 3G and whether that setting is matched in the S3 and S3 LTE's vodacom-branded firmware. If not, this is quite an oversight from vodacom and might be the cause of the sucky battery life on most S3's. Will be much appreciated!