Help Sprint PRL Updates Thread (Latest PRL 21090)

[CarrieK]

I think I've typed this a 1000 times at this point, but have you guys tried going into ##3282#, Edit, Enter MSL, select EVDO, ensure Preferred mode is set to automatic. WHen I updated to the latest radio it somehow bumped me to 1x only. I went and checked this setting and it wasn't set to automatic anymore. wHen I updated to automatoic it I got 3g back. I'll wait for some results before I take the latest PRL.

Also if you are a stock rom or unrooted your signal will always show 3g even when you are on 1x so you have to use speedtest to confirm you are on 3g.

Hi Falconey,

Thank you for your reply. I am unable to access any of the menus. I keep getting an automated message that says I have entered an invalid number or code.

 

[CarrieK]

Oh, and I am posting from my phone on the full site so I do have data, it is just extremely slow.

 

[CarrieK]

OK this is really bizarre. Right before I left my house I hit the 4G icon and was stunned to see that I had full bars. On occasion I get maybe one bar at home. Here is the screen shot of the speedtest. Oddly enough, I am now at work which is not in downtown Nashville but closer than my home is and I am back to the slow 3G, no 4G at all. Weird.

 

[DonB]

Well I going to post pictures, but I think it is Sprint having issues with there 3G service, I am still on PRL 21081 and did 3 test, one with WiFi on, one with 4G on and one with just 3G service, see below

Wifi On

4G on

3G only

OK this is really bizarre. Right before I left my house I hit the 4G icon and was stunned to see that I had full bars. On occasion I get maybe one bar at home. Here is the screen shot of the speedtest. Oddly enough, I am now at work which is not in downtown Nashville but closer than my home is and I am back to the slow 3G, no 4G at all. Weird.

 

[falconey]

For shizzes and giggles I went ahead and took the update. It did bork my 3g. I was stuck in 1x no matter what. Settings in EVDO were still set to automatic. So I downgraded back to 21081 and I'm back on 3G. Sprint is stupid for this, but they will get away with it for the most part as most people will be stock and not even know they are on 1x.

Update: I also went through the exact steps in link marctronixx posted. That took my speeds from 500kps d/l on average to 900kbs d/l on average.

 

[DonB]

You should let the other know how to revert back, I will leave you explain since you mentioned it so you should get the credit for it

But FWIW I am not convinced the issue is a PRL issue versus them simply having tower issues, from hurricane Irene

For shizzes and giggles I went ahead and took the update. It did bork my 3g. I was stuck in 1x no matter what. Settings in EVDO were still set to advanced. So I downgraded back to 21081 and I'm back on 3G. Sprint is stupid for this, but they will get away with it for the most part as most people will be stock and not even know they are on 1x.

 

[CarrieK]

I was under the impression that 1x is for voice and texting and 3G/4G is full data (like for viewing full websites, YouTube, etc.) but apparently that isn't the case then. So, until all this gets resolved, I guess I'm ok if I can get 4G (and apparently I can at home now) but totally screwed if stuck on the slow 3G/1x like I am right now (I am posting on my work computer which I rarely do). I have my MSL but can't even get to the point to where I enter it in order to be able to apply any changes because I when I enter the various codes as outlined above, I receive automated messages that state I have entered an invalid number/code. If this doesn't get any better soon I may give Sprint a call and see what is going on. This is completely unusual behavior, my speeds have always been very good to excellent even just on 3G.

 

[falconey]

You should let the other know how to revert back, I will leave you explain since you mentioned it so you should get the credit for it

But FWIW I am not convinced the issue is a PRL issue versus them simply having tower issues, from hurricane Irene

It is certainly a prl issue. The steps I used to revert back are similar to what's in post 68 by the muffinman, but I didn't use his links.

If ##775# doesn't give you a menu you need to install the espt.apk. After you install just unzip the prl onto your sdcard. Enter into ##775# menu and it will automactically find the prl on the sdcard. Select it. Select Menu and commit the changes.

I was under the impression that 1x is for voice and texting and 3G/4G is full data (like for viewing full websites, YouTube, etc.) but apparently that isn't the case then. So, until all this gets resolved, I guess I'm ok if I can get 4G (and apparently I can at home now) but totally screwed if stuck on the slow 3G/1x like I am right now (I am posting on my work computer which I rarely do). I have my MSL but can't even get to the point to where I enter it in order to be able to apply any changes because I when I enter the various codes as outlined above, I receive automated messages that state I have entered an invalid number/code. If this doesn't get any better soon I may give Sprint a call and see what is going on. This is completely unusual behavior, my speeds have always been very good to excellent even just on 3G.

1x was the data network prior to sprint's 3g. Also have you updated your espt as shown in muffinman's post. If you did and that espt.apk didn't work, try this one.

http://db.tt/pCWD9LW

 

[marctronixx]

good info here guys and gals.

il repost the PRL "Trick" as noted in the 4G forum a while back. give this a try in the meantime.

http://androidforums.com/evo-4g-tips-tricks/280082-major-solution-fix-your-slow-3g-speeds-evo4g.html

4g connects faster..and maintains for about 10 ft further here at the store.

3g seems less affected by the method above now...4g is a pretty insane difference

Your Results May Vary

---There are some areas that have tower issues. This will not fix that. In
these cases notify sprint of the issue and the area.
---You may already be achieving great speeds. The target is 1.0+ Mbps
if you already there you may or may not see an improvement.
=---some have reported that updating the prl actually helped their connection. In every single test on my phone updating the prl resulted in the slow speeds seen below. Each phone will be different though so try it without, you can always go back in and update it.

The included HTTP fix is not new...it was suggested by Sprint to fix streaming media issues. While in EPST it is a good idea to change these, though it isn't necessary.

ORIGINAL INFO:

DO NOT UPDATE YOUR PRL
This is not doing anything to your PRL. It isn't updating it, It isn't downgrading it to something else. For some reason THE PROCESS OF UPDATING THE PRL AFTER A DATA UPDATE IS KILLING THE SPEEDS ON SOME PHONES!
​

If you must update your prl do it in the order I have listed. If you ever update it again, repeat this process again.

I have spent two hours testing this on two different roms and the results speak for themselves. I have run through the process over 1000 times, updating prl, and not and the results are there EVERY TIME. This should apply to all Evos EXCEPT ASOP.​

First Get your MSL

stock: call sprint or use the method I will list later. Sprint will give it to you if you get the right person and ask nicely.
CDMA WORKSHOP METHOD [How To] Retrieve MSL CDMA Workshop Method - xda-developers

Rooted Sense: use msl reader from the market. I added the link. Write this MSL# down, I guarantee you will need it again. Keep it safe.

Rooted ASOP: results may vary but some have had success restoring a sense backup, and then going back to ASOP. Don't wipe.

xtremelabs speedtest app from the market to test your internet speed. Remember to test 3-4 times each time you test.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.xtremelabs.android.speedtest&feature=search_result

Update prl first
TURN OFF GPS >Thanks Early Mon
Go to Phone
Type in ##3282#>>>Fixed...sorry for the confusion
Select Edit
Enter MSL
Select Advanced
scroll down to the last two, the http proxy settings and replace the settings with 0 -----------just one zero in each will work fine----------- (I get no credit for this one it iis all over the web)

Change HTTP PD Proxy port from 8085 to 0
Change HTTP PD Proxy address from pd.vog.sprintpcs.com to 0.0.0.0
some say they get better results with 0.0.0.0 so I have decided to do it that way.

This isn't new info...we are just doing this while we are in there. Some have reported a small increase in speeds after doing it...but nothing as significant as what NOT UPDATING the PRL after Data has shown

Use your arrow on your phone to go back
Select Data Profile
Hit Menu
Select restore
Hit OK to reboot...

PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR PHONE
After going through the set up process (Handsfree Activation, LET IF FINISH) you will select ok

YOU HAVE TO HIT CANCEL WHEN IT STARTS LOOKING FOR A PRL UPDATE
YOU HAVE TO HIT CANCEL WHEN IT STARTS LOOKING FOR A PRL UPDATE​

(If your phone hangs and does not reboot, reboot manually.)

​

Wait for the phone to finish it's thing. 3g Icon should be on, go off, then come back on.

Test speeds.

If I am right...EVERYONE will have speeds like never before. If you update your PRL you will have to do this again..and your speeds will drop to the insanely low speeds again.


If you perform the steps and your 3g speeds get WORSE,
power off, pull battery for 5-10 minutes, power on
then if still slow try the steps again
then if they are still slow go ahead and update your prl. (menu.settings.software updates)


I have found more than one post stating that calling *18 will reset your tower choice. This may help some that have a bad connection, or travel 40-50 miles daily. Feel free to give it a shot.

POST YOUR RESULTS​

DO NOT UPDATE YOUR PRL AFTER DOING THIS!!!!!!!!​

It is my belief that this is why most are not seeing the speed increases that others are.

my speeds went from .05-.3 Mbps to 1.5+ MBps download. Upload doesn't change much and varies from .25 Mbps to .7 Mbps

​

Again, If I am crazy, I am sorry. I have a very absent minded way of doing things.

 

[CarrieK]

It is certainly a prl issue. The steps I used to revert back are similar to what's in post 68 by the muffinman, but I didn't use his links.

If ##775# doesn't give you a menu you need to install the espt.apk. After you install just unzip the prl onto your sdcard. Enter into ##775# menu and it will automactically find the prl on the sdcard. Select it. Select Menu and commit the changes.



1x was the data network prior to sprint's 3g. Also have you updated your espt as shown in muffinman's post. If you did and that espt.apk didn't work, try this one.

Hi falconey,

I installed the espt.apk and unzipped the prl onto the root of my sd card, then, as anyone who has ever been in tech support knows, I restarted my phone. Once it was booted back up, I dialed ##775# and instead of receiving a menu the phone attempted to dial the number and I received the same stupid automated message. I consider myself fairly competent at following instructions and I just don't understand why the heck this isn't working! I tried the ##3282# as well and my phone dials the number instead of giving me a menu, and of course I get the automated message.

Also, have been noticing here at work that my 3G icon completely goes away, and I have to tap mobile network to turn off and then tap it again to turn it on. Lol, I have paid my bill so my service isn't cut off What the heck is going on?????!!!

 

[marctronixx]

its very odd the prl update broke your ability to get into using your MSL.

do you have any 3rd party dialer? i know you are rooted and some others are rooted also however you Mrs. Carrie seem to be the only one who has done the update and who is rooted but not able to get into phone programming...

have you tried the usual battery pull? how about trying the soft reset option in the shutdown menu? you probably have i just want to be on the same page...

 

[CarrieK]

its very odd the prl update broke your ability to get into using your MSL.

do you have any 3rd party dialer? i know you are rooted and some others are rooted also however you Mrs. Carrie seem to be the only one who has done the update and who is rooted but not able to get into phone programming...

have you tried the usual battery pull? how about trying the soft reset option in the shutdown menu? you probably have i just want to be on the same page...

Thanks marc. I have done the battery pulls and and shutdowns but I know you have to ask those questions! I do use a third-party dialer and have Google Voice. I was trying to get the stock dialer back to see if that had anything to do with it when I saw your post. Again, I just may be dingy today, but could you please tell me how to disable the third-party one and get the stock one back? I am using DW Dialer. Thank you for all your help (and everyone else as well!)

 

[marctronixx]

if the dialer is burned into the stock rom im not sure how you can remove it unless you remove the rom entirely. im not the rooting guy so im ignorant to that side.

if it is a part of the rom, can you download a dialer form the market and try to replace?

are you other cats who are rooted using a different dialer?

 

[CarrieK]

I installed the dialer separately, it is not a part of the ROM. I have looked all over the place trying to find out how to change back to the stock dialer. I did not remove it, just set DW as the default after I installed it.

 

[falconey]

Carrie, the 3rd party dialer is definitely your issue. I'm not sure how to reset to stock, but maybe you could do a nand backup. Wipe the phone. Install a rom. Update your prl. Then wipe again and restore your back up.

 

[wake69]

find the dialer in settings manage apps all apps dw dialer clear defaults and it will ask you which dialer you want to use and weather or not to set as default

 

[CarrieK]

find the dialer in settings manage apps all apps dw dialer clear defaults and it will ask you which dialer you want to use and weather or not to set as default

Wake, thank you!! That did it! And thank all of you for being so helpful! Was able to change prl's and my phone is rebooting now.

 

[DonB]

Simply do what Wake said, go to Menu/Applications/ look for your DW Dialer, and clear default, exit, now hit the phone tab again and it will ask you which dialer you want to open with

I installed the dialer separately, it is not a part of the ROM. I have looked all over the place trying to find out how to change back to the stock dialer. I did not remove it, just set DW as the default after I installed it.

 

[marctronixx]

yeah sounded like the dialer was the issue.. .glad you are back up and running.....

 

[CarrieK]

Hi guys,

Yep, I'm back up and running. 3G data speeds are now a little faster than they were this morning. I applied the 21081 prl, did the proxy thing and made sure EVDO preferred mode was set to automatic. At least my speeds aren't crawling like they were, but I'm still concerned because they are still a lot slower than usual. Quite perplexing indeed! I am hoping that maybe they are working on some towers around here (considering I got full 4G at my house where I have never had THAT happen before) and it will get better.

Thanks Again!

 

[Wiley_11]

Has anybody got any info from talking to Sprint about resolving the 50580 update issue? I have a *field engineer* supposedly calling me today.

 

[CarrieK]

Has anybody got any info from talking to Sprint about resolving the 50580 update issue? I have a *field engineer* supposedly calling me today.

I'm curious too. I have never seen this poor of 3G service EVER. Thank goodness I was at least able to revert back but even doing that it is still pretty slow. I am trying to be optimistic and think that they are doing tower work. I'm going to test when I get home to see if I get those full 4G bars again.

Oh, and just a thought for the instructions. I'm sure I'm not the only sap who was using a third-party dialer so maybe it would be a good idea to preface the instructions by saying that you need to use the stock dialer. I thought I was going nuts this morning!!! OK, I've always been a little nuts...

 

[scrosler]

Here is my two cents...

1. PRL /PRI can cause issues with speed and overall connectivity. It is telling your phone which towers to use and how to interface with those towers.

2. This would not be related to root / no root phones. It will be universal among all 3D's regardless of ROM.

3. Speed tests vary from moment to moment so remember to take those with a grain of salt!

4. The Evo 4G tweak noted above (to me) has no value and certainly no impact on the issue you guys are seeing. I did that months ago and the Sprint proxies are just as fast / slow as no proxy at all. That's just my experience. Some report night and day differences after making those proxy settings. What did they use to measure this with? See point #3, lol

5. I decided to test out the new PRL that is causing you all so much angst... and here is the kicker.... It increased my over all speeds! Not only with speedtest but with file downloads! lol (take it with a grain of salt)

6. Everything is relative. It all depends on where you live to be honest with you. Don will see different results than I will see, than Carrie will see with identical hardware and software. Heck, if all three of us were standing right next to each other we would all see somewhat different results.

7. Time of day will have a HUGE impact on all of this!

I hope that explains a little more and doesn't confuse anything. If you need me to explain my points in further detail I would be happy to but I need to go to work

 

[CarrieK]

Scrosler, I guess that would explain why I had taken the update yesterday and didn't notice any difference. I did, however, notice horrid 3G speeds this AM, but wow...that 4G was pretty darned good! Just would like to have the 3G speed back. Your post is encouraging because maybe it does mean they are doing tower work and it will be worth it!

 

[scrosler]

Scrosler, I guess that would explain why I had taken the update yesterday and didn't notice any difference. I did, however, notice horrid 3G speeds this AM, but wow...that 4G was pretty darned good! Just would like to have the 3G speed back. Your post is encouraging because maybe it does mean they are doing tower work and it will be worth it!

Oh and thanks for reminding me...

Time of day will have a HUGE impact on all of this!

What you get at 3:00AM is not what you are going to get during peak network usage. For example, the network will haul ass at 3:00am on Monday morning but will be notable slower at Noon that same day.

Network traffic will slow ya right down!