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Root [MAJOR SOLUTION] Fix your slow 3g speeds:EVO4g

My goodness this is the best "fix" ever!? My Evo couldn't even stream a low-quality (32kbps) stream on 4G with 2 bars for more than 30 seconds before the audio would start artifact-ing and eventually become totally goobered and unintelligible. Now I am streaming the high-quality (128 kbps) broadcast on 3G like I should be able to, although it drops after about 5 minutes.

I was shoveling snow the other night and thought I should stream some radio for a change - usually I just play stored mp3's. I was getting so angry because it either wouldn't stream at all, or the audio would get all fubar after 30 secs. maximum. I was about ready to throw my phone as far as I could.

I thought maybe I was blocking the signal by having it in my pocket, or maybe I was bouncing between towers or something. Or that my constant movement was interfering? Or could copious amounts of snow screw thing up that badly? I remembered this thread mentioned fixing streaming issues, and it ends up saving the day.

The ultimate test of this fix is going to be streaming while shoveling in a few days when it snows some more. I am streaming clean right now, but I am sitting still at the computer typing this with the phone in one solitary location.


I am running straight stock, not rooted or anything. Got my MSL# last night and just did the "reset" and it seems to help so far. My speed tests weren't great at all but it seemed to fix the streaming problems based upon my initial reaction.

I'd say this should be front paged, but the average user probably isn't willed/smart enough to get their MSL and go in the back door. While relatively simple, it's not that easy of a process. Sprint should push down a fix for this ASAP (even though it seems they caused this mess on purpose), along with a tasty version upgrade.
 
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Wow, what an improvement! I finally rooted last night and was able to use the "MSL Reader" app to get my MSL code. Restored my Sense Nandroid backup, followed the procedure, restored my CM7 Nandroid, and check out these speeds!
 

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Mr. Ed, thanks for taking the time to document this but unfortunately it did not help my speeds. I'm still stuck b/t the 100 & 350 kbps bandwidth. Maybe I'm just in a terrible area... unfortunately its at work and home.

If you have the time do call Sprint. The lack of maintenance on 3g right now is very disturbing. There are multiple towers out near my work and all through a nearby city.

also try updating your prl now...in some cases it has to be done, in others it has to be skipped. Skipping the PRL update is more common but there are those few phones out there that need it ....

350 kbps isn't horrible...and is what most phones get via 3g...but those 100 and less ...that is awful
 
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Mentioned in another post, other areas get the same terrible up speed. Only on 3g though. 4g and wifi speeds are great.
THinking it may be hardware unless some one can point to a possible tweak somewhere. Going to the sprint store tonight, there are a few good employees there with rooted evo's who can troubleshoot with me
 
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I had my highest test of 2.51/.78 with the other 2 in the same area. I was able to get a credit on my bill taking the $10 off for 6month premium data charge since I have been having the crap connection....

Good to know...I am actually calling them as they have not yet fixed the down towers around my business. Kinda of ridiculous
 
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I have nothing but the greatest respect for Mr. Ed (he's done excellent work on the board and has helped me out on many an occasion) so please do not take this the wrong way. He gave me all the warnings so I have no beef with him (I did this before the updated "Urgent" message though). I am using Warm RLS 5.

I followed the instructions to the letter but things actually got worse. The 3G speeds were slower then a 14k dial up modem. When tried to change the EPST back, the ##3282# no longer worked. With my 3G borked, I was ready to reflash the whole thing (a process that I find slightly painful). However, here's where it gets interesting.

I had a full package of the 1.9 radios on my flash card. So instead of flashing the ROM, I decided to flash the radios. The process went fine and when I rebooted, I discovered I was getting VASTLY improved speeds, on par with what everyone is reporting.

Now, the ##3282# works. However, when I hit advanced, it gets to about 70% and it FCs. Oddly, I'm just not that concerned - the 3G works great and there does not seem to be any other adverse effect.

I'm just adding this to the knowledge base. I want to thank Mr. Ed for his tireless efforts on behalf of the community. You are a true asset.
 
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Thanks! It sounds like it may be a bad EPST APK...I currently ahven't found one that works right on Myn's roms...and his seem to give the most issues...no knock on Myn, his rom's rock and I am sure that that aspect of the Rom isn't a huge priority.

The last bit...about the older radios is interesting. I have been trying to make some time to play with older radio sets and see what happens.

Part of the issue there is that the rom's are based on certain radio sets...so the fc's may have been simply the incompatibility. From what I understand, the correct way to try it out would be by flashing a rom based on that radio set, along with the radios

:)
 
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Mr. Ed,
is there a ROM that you would suggest for me to use in addition to your procedure?
Also you wrote "I am today 2/19/11 working on some tests that show that if you are using a havs kernel, or stock kernel, this will not work."
I'm confused, I thought this would work on a stock phone?

I'm ready to start tonight.
Thanks
 
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