Help Orange - 3G issues - disadvantages of using 2G?

[Mubble]

For the last few weeks I've been having connection issues with my 3G connection on orange.

Calls take 20 seconds to connect and sometimes don't connect at all.

People complain that when they call me it just goes straight to answerphone.

My internet keeps failing to load pages.

I phoned Orange but they said there was no network issue in my area.

So I tried to check my call divert setting but while loading, 90% of the time it comes up with "sim or network error".

So today, I switched the phone over to 'GSM only' and it works fine.

So, my question, what are the disadvantages of using 2G only?

 

[SUroot]

The disadvantage of 2G (well GPRS, but not Edge) is that if you're using the internet, you can't receive calls.

Plus, slow, slow, slow.

Maybe you need a replacement sim? Also verify your APN settings with Orange customer services.

 

[ianb11]

The disadvantage of 2G (well GPRS, but not Edge) is that if you're using the internet, you can't receive calls

Really? I didn't know that.

 

[SUroot]

GPRS is on GSM and it can only handle 1 thing at a time. Voice or data.


This was the case when the WAP revolution started and to a point still is.

Some devices have higher class radio's which can actually switch off data when a call is coming through so the handset can receive it. Unfortunately the desire (although we would expect it was) doesn't seem to function like this. I have yet to find an answer to what class the HTC desire is, but since I hardly ever get GPRS anymore, I haven't been looking hard.

The class indicates the mobile phone capabilities.
Class A
Class A mobile phones can be connected to both GPRS and GSM services simultaneously.


Class B
Class B mobile phones can be attached to both GPRS and GSM services, using one service at a time. Class B enables making or receiving a voice call, or sending/receiving an SMS during a GPRS connection. During voice calls or SMS, GPRS services are suspended and then resumed automatically after the call or SMS session has ended.


Class C
Class C mobile phones are attached to either GPRS or GSM voice service. You need to switch manually between services.

Source:

LibanPhone.com - GSM > GPRS > Class Types

 

[flashsam]

I didn't know this either but i've had a few people randomly tell me that they tried to call me but it went straight through to answer phone.

I just did a few tests setting my phone to GSM only and as soon as the arrows in the status bar start moving then whenever i try calling my mobile from another phone it always goes through to answer phone.

Not sure how it will effect the battery but going to leave it on WCDMA only for a few days to see what happens as I don't want to be missing calls just because someone calls me at the same time that my weather is updating or my emails are syncing!

 

[Mubble]

Well, I fixed the issue.

It was a 3G issue, rectified by reverting my internet settings back to default. No idea how they got adjusted.

 

[bh27]

Could you confirm how you did this please? My Orange phone at least half the time goes straight to voicemail. Am considering having my brilliant old nokia as my main phone again. What internet settings did you change please?

 

[SUroot]

Must be the restore defaults option in settings > Wireless and networks>Mobile Networks>APN (access Points) I assume

 

[flashsam]

Is there any way to keep the network mode to Auto but stop the phone being able to use 2g data?
(obviously I still want the phone to be able to use 3g where there is a signal)