I posted in a number of threads I have been having major signal issues, gray bars, and no data connectivity. I was at the point of thinking I would have to return the phone. I ended up speaking with a BCS engineer I know through a friend. He mentioned to force it to CDMA only where I live. Since I have done this my connectivity has been flawless. I have not lost a connection at all.
He mentioned the Samsung is trying hard to grab the LTE signal (I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact it measures signal in 4G). Where I live (and where my signal was dropping the most) is surrounded by LTE areas. Literally in all directions the cities near me have LTE. I happen to live in between 3 metro areas and am waiting for my area to be filled in. Because of this my phone is constantly trying to grab a very weak 4G signal over a strong EVDO signal which is causing the data drops.
If you are in a strong LTE area there should be no issues and if you are in an EVDO only area without LTE near, there should also be no issues. However, as I mentioned the overlap areas seem to cause the issues. While not ideal, I recommend trying to force CDMA when you do not need data or you are in fringe areas. For me, this appears to be at least the short term fix until they can straighten out the radio/network issues. I guess the other advantage is our batteries will last longer as well. When you need data and are in a strong LTE area, turn it back on. Hopefully a good toggle will be made, so it is as easy as flipping Wifi on and off.
I hope this helps some of the people having issues.
He mentioned the Samsung is trying hard to grab the LTE signal (I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact it measures signal in 4G). Where I live (and where my signal was dropping the most) is surrounded by LTE areas. Literally in all directions the cities near me have LTE. I happen to live in between 3 metro areas and am waiting for my area to be filled in. Because of this my phone is constantly trying to grab a very weak 4G signal over a strong EVDO signal which is causing the data drops.
If you are in a strong LTE area there should be no issues and if you are in an EVDO only area without LTE near, there should also be no issues. However, as I mentioned the overlap areas seem to cause the issues. While not ideal, I recommend trying to force CDMA when you do not need data or you are in fringe areas. For me, this appears to be at least the short term fix until they can straighten out the radio/network issues. I guess the other advantage is our batteries will last longer as well. When you need data and are in a strong LTE area, turn it back on. Hopefully a good toggle will be made, so it is as easy as flipping Wifi on and off.
I hope this helps some of the people having issues.