Galaxy W does not pick up 3G 850MHz signal

mpwong · July 3rd, 2012, 02:29 AM

Quick summary:
I have a Samsung Galaxy W sourced from Hong Kong. Specifications on Samsung HK website says it supports WCDMA 850, 900, 1900 and 2100.
I'm on Vodafone Australia which uses WCDMA 850 and 2100 in metropolitan areas where I live in.
My area has coverage of both frequency bands, but signal of 850MHz is deemed better.
The problems is that my phone sticks to 2100MHz on vodafone AU while it can detect Telstra's (another Australian telco) 850MHz signal in manual network searches.

Here's the details of my problem that I've already posted on Whirlpool forum (Australia): (3 posts under the same thread)
whrl.pl/Rdeiz5
whrl.pl/RdePfz
whrl.pl/RdeTy2

What I've discovered so far is that my phone is missing some crucial software configuration for being on 850MHz channels. However, I don't want to root my phone or flash a new ROM as the original Hong Kong ROM is supposed to support 3G 850 MHz.

Does anyone of you have a clue?

yuripg · July 4th, 2012, 08:12 AM

The specification you read was wrong.

Look here:
Samsung Galaxy W I8150 - Full phone specifications

2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 900 / 2100

It won't get 3G on the 850MHz frequency.

mpwong · July 5th, 2012, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yuripg

The specification you read was wrong.

Look here:
Samsung Galaxy W I8150 - Full phone specifications

2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 900 / 2100

It won't get 3G on the 850MHz frequency.

That one is European spec. Mine's from Hong Kong
Hong Kong spec: GALAXY W - TECH SPECS | SAMSUNG

dannymur · July 5th, 2012, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpwong

That one is European spec. Mine's from Hong Kong
Hong Kong spec: GALAXY W - TECH SPECS | SAMSUNG

Get-out clause!!!!

Quote:

^ Subject to local network, data and messaging service.

Terms and conditions apply

Especially with Sammy!!!!

mpwong · July 6th, 2012, 04:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dannymur

Get-out clause!!!!

Terms and conditions apply

Especially with Sammy!!!!

Vodafone's 850MHz network is up and running, and there is coverage in my area.

dannymur · July 8th, 2012, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpwong

Vodafone's 850MHz network is up and running, and there is coverage in my area.

You said in your OP

You are in Oz??

What's the story in HK with that Band??

I don't know, just asking as a point of info!!!

I just think Samsung has some kinda "Marketing Strategy" for their various markets.....

and they have marked the para I quoted to indicate it is dependent on availability in that area, which is HK!!!

This is what I meant by get-out clause.....

but perhaps contact Sammy!!

mpwong · July 9th, 2012, 11:05 PM

Yes, I'm in Oz.
The situation is that there is one 850MHz network in Hong Kong, so Samsung markets this phone as quad band 3G (850, 900, 1900, 2100).
There are two 850MHz networks in Oz: Telstra NextG and Vodafone 850.

I've emailed Samsung HK support with the information obtained from the service menu in my phone.

The firmware is I8150ZSLM4 which is a Taiwan firmware. This phone is marketed as a dual band (900, 2100) 3G device in Taiwan. I think Samsung HK made a mistake, either by using Taiwan firmware or marketing it as quad band 3G. Taiwan firmware might not support 850 and 1900 bands.

johnyfalco · November 29th, 2012, 10:33 PM

VodaFone Oz (and Dick Smith) actually sell this phone as a prepaid for $179 and it does VodaFone & Telstra 850Mhz no problem. You have the wrong model that does WCDMA 900 & 2100 Mhz only.