W-CDMA and the U-SIM

D

dotVIBE

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Hi,

When I recently got my HSDPA phone, I asked the MTN rep whether I needed to update my SIM card as well.

He said that it was not necessary, and that my "2G" GSM card would handle 3G perfectly well. Now, I think that because I can't connect to W-CDMA (because I don't have a U-SIM), my 3G is not as effective as it should be.

Would I have better coverage if I got a U-SIM? Right now I seem to able to connect at EDGE speeds at best, even though UMTMS seems to be available.
Can I get HSDPA speeds with an older generation SIM?
 
dotVIBE said:
Hi,

When I recently got my HSDPA phone, I asked the MTN rep whether I needed to update my SIM card as well.

He said that it was not necessary, and that my "2G" GSM card would handle 3G perfectly well. Now, I think that because I can't connect to W-CDMA (because I don't have a U-SIM), my 3G is not as effective as it should be.

Would I have better coverage if I got a U-SIM? Right now I seem to able to connect at EDGE speeds at best, even though UMTMS seems to be available.
Can I get HSDPA speeds with an older generation SIM?
Click to expand...

Good day,

A USIM would make no difference what so ever on speed or coverage the only difference is the USIM has 128k that's it

MTNDD
 
Thanx, that's all I needed to know.

So I can't connect on WCDMA because there is no coverage for it here.
 
dotVIBE said:
Thanx, that's all I needed to know.

So I can't connect on WCDMA because there is no coverage for it here.
Click to expand...


@dotVIBE

Is there a way to force the phone onto WCDMA only? If so what does it do?

MTNDD
 
it just says "unable to change to WCDMA band" and then gos back to GSM or auto.

Would 3G/HSDPA connectivity be better under WCDMA?
 
dotVIBE said:
it just says "unable to change to WCDMA band" and then gos back to GSM or auto.

Would 3G/HSDPA connectivity be better under WCDMA?
Click to expand...

Good day,

Remember that 3G is another name for WCDMA or UTMS

HSDPA is a technology software upgrade so with my phone for example I say WCDMA only and then it will force the phone onto 3G if my phone supports HSDPA then my phone would automatically choice the best available technology e.g. if there is GPRS and EDGE then my phone would choice EDGE if the area is covered by 3G and HSDPA if my phone supports 3G/HSDPA then it will select HSDPA

Hope that makes sense?

MTNDD
 
Last edited:
gotcha, putting it into WCDMA forces it into 3G, if available. If not, no connection. GSM setting makes it connect on whatever is available in the best signal.

Thanks
 
dotVIBE said:
gotcha, putting it into WCDMA forces it into 3G, if available. If not, no connection. GSM setting makes it connect on whatever is available in the best signal.

Thanks
Click to expand...


100%

MTNDD
 
hsdpa updates

Hey MTNDD

Whilst I have you on the line, so to speak, is it possible to software upgrade my MTN E620 data card for the next generation of HSDPA (3.6Mbps, I think)? It is currently only programmed to operate at 1.8Mbps.

Thanks!
 
jb007za said:
Hey MTNDD

Whilst I have you on the line, so to speak, is it possible to software upgrade my MTN E620 data card for the next generation of HSDPA (3.6Mbps, I think)? It is currently only programmed to operate at 1.8Mbps.

Thanks!
Click to expand...

No, only the E220 supports this at the moment.
 
jb007za said:
Hey MTNDD

Whilst I have you on the line, so to speak, is it possible to software upgrade my MTN E620 data card for the next generation of HSDPA (3.6Mbps, I think)? It is currently only programmed to operate at 1.8Mbps.

Thanks!
Click to expand...


The E620 is not upgradable - E660 will have 7.2 down and 2 on the uplink

MTNDD
 
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