Database Users

HSPDA Confusion!

Hi everyone,
It's my first post here - most likely not to be my last. Oh, and i know i spelt HSDPA wrong in the title!
I very very recently (yesterday in fact) managed to get hold of my T-Mobile Hermes (one of the .37 batch) and am having no problems whatsoever with the phone, the only problem i am having is getting any web download speeds faster than around 40kbps?
I phoned T-Mobile yesterday and after being on hold twice and explaining myself many times i think i got HSDPA enabled as the lady (who was very nice) said she promises it has been enabled for me. I tried half hour later and sure enough, i used www.dslreports.com/mspeed and could now download at around 800kbps - perfect! Unfortunately i tried again this morning and it says 40kbps again
Is there any way to tell whether HSDPA has been enabled on my phone before i call T-Mobile again? Does HSDPA just run over 3G? I haven't got a brilliant signal where i am - usually 1 or 2 bars, could this be what is affecting my download speed? I need some help!

Just realised i have spelt HSDPA wrong in the thread title - never mind! Can anyone help?

Have you read this dude?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=276154&page=5
Theres a couple of files you can check you have i believe, also the Fit4cat program is worth downloading.

40kbps is GPRS data speed. Even without HSDPA you should get 300kbps on UMTS.
Your phone will show a U or a G depending on which network you are on.

It shows a "G" all the time in a little white block next to the signal bar, and sometimes the signal bar shows an antenna and sometimes a "G" also - does that mean when im on the "G" ill be on HSDPA and when im on the antenna (if i cant get 3G) ill be on GPRS 40kbps?
If so that makes a lot of sense as the signal is not brilliant round here, i went shopping in a much bigger town this afternoon and tested again -> full signal and downloading at around 1200kbps! Obviously it is enabled, think its just down to my signal....
Does that sound about right?

RTFM, the G is for GSM ie data will be GPRS.
You will either have a 3G or U depending on what ROM you're running for 3G/UMTS/HSDPA .

I'll be honest i only got half way through the quick start guide before i started playing with it. So, if my phone is always on "G" i'll assume i need to try and unlock it using the fit4cat thing? As T-Mobile have said they have enabled HSDPA on my account?
How did i get 1200kbps on GPRS by the way? It definately said "G" when i was connected and did the speed test...?!

I just ran the fit4cat Hermes tweaker and still no luck, it only connects to "G" rather than "3G", 3G is apparently available in this area so why does it only connect to G? Im confused and would really appreciate some advice...

Well if you probably didn't notice the U (or whatever) when you got 1mbps once it. This means that HSDPA is enabled on your phone and SIM.
The fit4cat tweaker only (dis)enables HSDPA but that isn't an issue because even without HSDPA you would be getting UMTS speeds.
One thing you could try is. Go to Start->Settings->Phone->Band set GSM/UTMS to GSM900+1800 + UMTS2100
You could also try a manual search for networks from Start->Settings->Phone->Networks->Find Network
Finally you can also disable GSM totaly using network type in the band selection and see if you get a steady 3G signal.

Thanks for your suggestions, here are my findings:
kevino said:
Well if you probably didn't notice the U (or whatever) when you got 1mbps once it. This means that HSDPA is enabled on your phone and SIM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good point, i have a long drive home tonight so will check when going through built up areas to see if it connects to 3G or U then.
kevino said:
One thing you could try is. Go to Start->Settings->Phone->Band set GSM/UTMS to GSM900+1800 + UMTS2100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tried this, and phone disconnected then reconnected but still said "G" when connecting to Internet. Set back to "Auto".
kevino said:
You could also try a manual search for networks from Start->Settings->Phone->Networks->Find Network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did this also, it pops up with the message "Registering on the network" and disappears and thats it, nothing happens.
kevino said:
Finally you can also disable GSM totaly using network type in the band selection and see if you get a steady 3G signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot find an option to disable GSM in the Band tab, i have the following:
Select your network type.
__Auto
__GSM
Select your GSM/UMTS band.
__GSM(900+1800)+UMTS(2100)
__GSM(1900+850)+UMTS(1900+850)
and thats about it. Cannot find anything that would let me not use GSM whatsoever? I appreciate your help so far

It may be the case that your reception for 3G just isnt adequate enough to work where you live, O2 states there is reception in the area where i live but i only tend to get UMTS upstairs....just one of those things....here at uni i get FULL UMTS reception anywhere.

richieboy said:
I cannot find an option to disable GSM in the Band tab, i have the following:
Select your network type.
__Auto
__GSM
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In the dopod ROM it has a WCDMA option too. No big deal !
Seting the band was just so that the phone doesn't bother looking for bands that are not available in this country. To try and encourage it to check the correct UMTS band more quickly.
My suggestion to use find network (you need to select manual search) in Networks wasn't too helpful anyway as it doesn't list the band. So no use unless you can disable GSM.
Of course you may have got a spurious speed test result. How old is your SIM? It needs to be a USIM

Yes firstly is your SIM card a USIM....or is it a SIM card from an old handset?? I think youve already said you have had the 'U' appear on your TyTN at some point.....so again im going with the assumption you just dont have adequate UMTS reception for it to work....hence why you are only seeing 'G'.

So, funny story...
It seems where i was over the weekend (girlfriends) is borderline, so as mentioned aboved i can get 3G upstairs but not downstairs - i decided to drive around and got 3G all over the place...the best news is i get 2/3 bars of 3G at home too!
Problem solved, im an idiot - but hey, it doesn't hurt to ask right?
680kbps! Woo

richieboy said:
So, funny story...
It seems where i was over the weekend (girlfriends) is borderline, so as mentioned aboved i can get 3G upstairs but not downstairs - i decided to drive around and got 3G all over the place...the best news is i get 2/3 bars of 3G at home too!
Problem solved, im an idiot - but hey, it doesn't hurt to ask right?
680kbps! Woo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
girlfrends! Woo

How do I tell I'm using HSDPA?

Hi, I'm aware that my UK T-mobile Ameo is HSDPA capable and I think I'm in a HSDPA covered area but the homescreen only ever shows a little 3G symbol (or a GSM symbol when I'm not in a 3G covered area).
Is there a way to know whether I'm using HSDPA?
I guess one way would be to do a download speed test - anyone know a convenient way to do one?

tfotherby said:
Is there a way to know whether I'm using HSDPA?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you were using HSDPA, the 3G symbol would change to an H.
However, if you only have the £7.50 web and walk package, and only signed up after the summer, you do not have HSDPA on your account.
The £12.50 and above tarriffs come with HSDPA automatically, but for the £7.50 plan, you need to ask for it and hope that someone likes you enough to add it.
By the way, On T-mobile, you will not see the H all the time. It will only appear when you are transferring data. At all other times you will see the 3G symbol so that you are able to receive calls. If you are transferring data on HSDPA, the T-Mobile Uk network will force you down to 3G while the call is routed to you, and then jump back to HSDPA when the call ends to carry on downloading.
T-Mobile is the only network i have seen that does this properly.
Also, T-Mobile has gone HSDPA on all of their 3G transmitters. If you get 3G coverage, you definitely have HSDPA coverage, but you don't necessarily have permission to connect at HSDPA speeds.

tfotherby said:
Hi, I'm aware that my UK T-mobile Ameo is HSDPA capable and I think I'm in a HSDPA covered area but the homescreen only ever shows a little 3G symbol (or a GSM symbol when I'm not in a 3G covered area).
Is there a way to know whether I'm using HSDPA?
I guess one way would be to do a download speed test - anyone know a convenient way to do one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, you will see the H symbol instead of the 3G signal - I am on O2 and it works fine (you should also see an E to show an Edge connection where available).
The point about tariffs is one for you to take up with T-Mobile.

Make sure the HSDPA checkbox is checked, in Settings > Connections > HSDPA Switch. When I'm in a 3G area and I start downloading something, the 3G symbol temporarily changes to an H symbol, then changes back to 3G when done.

cottinghamm said:
I am on O2 and it works fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you see the H all the time, or only when you are transferring data? I know that on some networks that have an old revision of the HSDPA software, it can cause issues with receiving calls if you are on HSDPA the whole time. Have you had any issues with this?

tfotherby said:
Hi, I'm aware that my UK T-mobile Ameo is HSDPA capable and I think I'm in a HSDPA covered area but the homescreen only ever shows a little 3G symbol (or a GSM symbol when I'm not in a 3G covered area).
Is there a way to know whether I'm using HSDPA?
I guess one way would be to do a download speed test - anyone know a convenient way to do one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Firstly, you will only see an H if your ROM has different icons for 3G and HSDPA. Some do some don't. If the ROM doesn't have that facility, the 3G icon won't change even if you are occasionlly using HSDPA. As far as I am remember, some of the stock T-Mob ROMs do not include this.
You do not AFAIK need to ask T-Mobile for HSDPA. I have never asked them and regularly used it. I am on a £7.50 plan.
There are plenty of speed test sites out there - Google 3G speed test.

Another good site to check speed is "http://performance.toast.net/default.asp?allservers=1&checkid=" I usually check the "Text" box and try a few hosts...TJ

rhedgehog said:
Do you see the H all the time, or only when you are transferring data? I know that on some networks that have an old revision of the HSDPA software, it can cause issues with receiving calls if you are on HSDPA the whole time. Have you had any issues with this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Only when data is transferred, the 3G symbol is there most of the time.

always been seeing the H on mine, right from the original T-Mobile UK ROM. All Windows mobile 6 ROMS from HTC include the different icons, and unless the operators specify to take them out, they should always be there.
the T-Mobile ROMs do include the different icons, as do all the AP ROMs.
Sometimes you DO have to ask T-Mob for HSDPA. They originally turned HSDPA on for the £7.50 contracts by default. They changed this standard policy sometime last year (as i stated in my first post, i think it was in the summer, but i'm not sure) and now not everyone has HSDPA on their contract. If you ever see the H you do...if not, you don't.

3G on HTC TOUCH HD In NYC

Not trying to start any problems with my first posting but, The 3G icon on my touch hd has change a few times during since I purchased it, Does anyone know if this has been caused by any changes with EDGE.

What do you mean by has changed a few times? You never got 3G in New York did you?

The 850mhz bandwidth was converted from 2G to 3G. http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=2195
"AT&T is apparently changing the 2G and EDGE band, from its current 850Mhz to the weaker 1900Mhz. What that means, is that devices without 3G capabilities, like the original iPhone, will have to cope with the reduced coverage that the new 1900Mhz band has. In the other hand, devices supporting 3G networks like the AT&T Fuze, Tilt, Epix etc, will only benefit from this upgrade, as the 850Mhz band provides much better coverage, especially indoors."
Are you really getting a 3G signal in NYC? If that's the case I'm buying one

My Edge (E)icon has turned to G on about 20 occasions since purchase two week ago.Its not a steady G but will last about two minutes and then goes back to E

Interesting that you posted this. I am using my THD in NYC and NJ areas with T-Mobile USA. I have also noticed that the "E" icon on my THD had changed to "G" at some areas in NYC. But I have not noticed any difference in the data speed.
I just thought that my phone is able to acknowledge the T-Mobile 3G signal, but does not have to facility to access it. I do not know the technicalities behind it.

Isn't the "G" icon for a slower connection than EDGE? i.e. GPRS

yes!!!! now we have firm confirmation that touch hd is capable of 1G and 2G (EDGE)

buggybug0 said:
yes!!!! now we have firm confirmation that touch hd is capable of 1G and 2G (EDGE)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is fricken HILARIOUS...!!!

bugsykoosh said:
The 850mhz bandwidth was converted from 2G to 3G. http://wmpoweruser.com/?p=2195
"AT&T is apparently changing the 2G and EDGE band, from its current 850Mhz to the weaker 1900Mhz. What that means, is that devices without 3G capabilities, like the original iPhone, will have to cope with the reduced coverage that the new 1900Mhz band has. In the other hand, devices supporting 3G networks like the AT&T Fuze, Tilt, Epix etc, will only benefit from this upgrade, as the 850Mhz band provides much better coverage, especially indoors."
Are you really getting a 3G signal in NYC? If that's the case I'm buying one
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What this means is that us in the usa better hope that we can enable 3G on the HD soon.

ya. even if tmobile does require both bands, one for down and one for up, it'd be nice if only 1 workded (down) and we were able to at least be able to DL quickly or something. any speed boost is better than none

Just to throw it out there:
Don't know if it is 3G but my "E" changed to "G" on few occasions, for few minutes here in LA, CA (T-mobile). I didn't sample the connection speed, however; thus, wasn't able to tell any difference with the download speed. Edge is good enough for my usage, tbh.
--cheers

aabye said:
Just to throw it out there:
Don't know if it is 3G but my "E" changed to "G" on few occasions, for few minutes here in LA, CA (T-mobile). I didn't sample the connection speed, however; thus, wasn't able to tell any difference with the download speed. Edge is good enough for my usage, tbh.--cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
G = gprs 1G which is not 3G and it's slower than Edge 2G....

When I look at the G settings
Its says GPRS,3G

aabye said:
Just to throw it out there:
Don't know if it is 3G but my "E" changed to "G" on few occasions, for few minutes here in LA, CA (T-mobile). I didn't sample the connection speed, however; thus, wasn't able to tell any difference with the download speed. Edge is good enough for my usage, tbh.
--cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You guys...these are the icons you'd expect to see on your HD for GSM coverage in order of speed:
G - Normal GPRS data
E - Enhanced Edge data
3G - 3G coverage
H - HSDPA, 3G turns to HSDPA on some networks while downloading data then switches back to 3G a few seconds after data use.
If you are seeing a G on the top bar, it means the HD is in the slowest GPRS data rate mode.

Thanks for the clarification, guys; I thought so. Oh well, no need for wishful thinking, then. 2G or not 2G...blah, curse you Hamlet!
--'night

Matterhorn said:
You guys...these are the icons you'd expect to see on your HD for GSM coverage in order of speed:
G - Normal GPRS data
E - Enhanced Edge data
3G - 3G coverage
H - HSDPA, 3G turns to HSDPA on some networks while downloading data then switches back to 3G a few seconds after data use.
If you are seeing a G on the top bar, it means the HD is in the slowest GPRS data rate mode.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
max speed technically...(at least in Germany)
GSM:
G --> 56kps (0,05MBit/s)
E --> 256kps (0,25Mbit/s)
UMTS:
3G --> 384kps (0,38Mbit/s)
HSDPA --> 3,6; 7,2; 14.4 Mbit!!! (depending on operator) --> sometimes called 3.5G
LTE (long term evolution) --> 4G (Generation)
coming in 2010 from 25Mbit onwards
using opera, just for surfing, i think EDGE is enough. (without using flash in opera)
regards
irm
p.s. @galaxys: the old analog network is to be considered as the 1st generation; GSM (incl. EDGE) is the 2nd generation. EDGE is some sort of speed upgrade like HSDPA for UMTS.
-

Blacqsmith said:
Its says GPRS,3G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your saying that it said 3G on the top of your screen not just G? If so can you post what rom/radio you are using?
You can find this in settings/system/device information

Blacqsmith said:
Its says GPRS,3G
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this on the top bar or is it the popup network setting bubble? Take a pic for us...

There is a setting, probably hidden and changable via Advance Config and/or HD Tweak where if a network has 3G capability then it shows "<network> - 3G" (I disabled it via one of them)
This is regardless of whether your phone itself can handle the 3G network, which in the case of Touch HD it cannot as the device does not support the frequency of US 3G bands
Mine shows "O2 UK - 3G" for this reason regardless of whether it says G, E, 3G or H at the top of the screen.
Additionally, the "generation" things are as follows:
- - GSM - 1G
G - GPRS - 2G
E - EDGE - 2.5G
3G - UMTS - 3G (surprise surprise)
H - HSDPA - 3.5G

Nexus S only shows 3G no H in Taiwan

On my news Nexus S I am only getting and showing 3G with poor connection whether I use Chung-Hwa Telecom or Taiwan's Far Eastone. On my HTC Desire when downloading or uploadinging it would show an "H" up on top and show "3G" if connection was not all that great but with this new Nexus S all I get is 3G. What's up with this? Reception is also worse than the HTC Desire.

Because nexus s only gets 3g
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App

kjy112 said:
Because nexus s only gets 3g
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here I see it showing it gets HSDPA.. From what I understand is the 2100 Band in Taiwan is not just 3G
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone1=3620&idPhone2=3077

It gets HSDPA also, it just doesn't change icons like cyanogen or like the static H on the G2. It wasn't a widely used icon in america until the networks (T-mobbile and AT&T) upgraded to HSDPA or HSPA+.
It is capable of 7.2mbps download.
You could always check the status of the phone under settings to see what connection you have or wait until cyanogenmod comes out for the nexus s, not just the alpha version.

ya HSPA is still 3G with a max download speed of 7.2 HSPA+ depending on device ranges from like 14.4 to 42

KnightMAREcrow said:
It gets HSDPA also, it just doesn't change icons like cyanogen or like the static H on the G2. It wasn't a widely used icon in america until the networks (T-mobbile and AT&T) upgraded to HSDPA or HSPA+.
It is capable of 7.2mbps download.
You could always check the status of the phone under settings to see what connection you have or wait until cyanogenmod comes out for the nexus s, not just the alpha version.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mobile Network Type
UMTS
Signal Strength
-101 dBm 4asu

Now answered in the stickied FAQ in the Q&A section.
unremarked said:
Q: The Nexus S only gets 3G? Omg, I only see a 3G icon!
The Nexus S gets UMTS and HSDPA, which are both technically 3G. Your phone idles on UMTS 3G, and when it starts downloading/uploading, it'll flip to HSDPA after a few moments. You can see this by typing *#*#4636#*#* into your Dialer, going to Phone Info, and looking at Network Type while downloading something. The ability to switch the icons on the notification bar is something that was added in custom ROMS, and is not supported by the stock ROM. Rest assured, if you are on a network that uses the 3G bands the Nexus S supports, then you are recieving HSDPA regardless of what icon you see.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EDIT: Also, in the future, use search and look at that FAQ prior to starting a new thread, mate. This has been asked a bajillion times.

unremarked said:
Now answered in the stickied FAQ in the Q&A section.
EDIT: Also, in the future, use search and look at that FAQ prior to starting a new thread, mate. This has been asked a bajillion times.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Question,
I always wondered, never really bothered asking, what should the setting be "preferred network type" by default my NS shows GSM/CDMA auto (PRL)

slowz3r said:
Question,
I always wondered, never really bothered asking, what should the setting be "preferred network type" by default my NS shows GSM/CDMA auto (PRL)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Found this for ya:
loganss said:
WCDMA preferred - The GSM phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 3G is favored more.
GSM only - The GSM phone is capable of using only 2G data communication. When the 2G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
WCDMA only - The GSM phone is capable of using only 3G data communication. When the 3G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
GSM auto (PRL) - The GSM phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 2G is favored more. This one is a bit confusing to me since PRL is associated mostly with CDMA technology and not GSM technology.
CDMA auto (PRL) - The CDMA phone is capable of using both 2G and 3G data communication and when signal strength is low 2G is favored more.
CDMA only - The CDMA phone is capable of using only 2G data communication. When the 2G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
EvDo only - The CDMA phone is capable of using only 3G data communication. When the 3G signal is too low you get nothing at all.
GSM/CDMA auto (PRL) - Some phones are equipped with both GSM and CDMA capabilities. This setting appears to just have the phone attempt to stay connected to the data communication type that works the best. (Maybe the Samsung Galaxy S will take advantage of this???)
Unknown - If none of the above fit or the phone is acting weird as far as connecting to the carrier, you will see your preferred network type is set to this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Source: http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/android/thread?tid=6a327a95211ac789&hl=en

unremarked said:
Found this for ya:
Source: http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/android/thread?tid=6a327a95211ac789&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Still sorta understood all that, so should I just leave it where Im at, i mean it is what came with the phone stock after all

As was stated, when an active data connection is formed and there is activity then the status will change under settings. I have an attached screenshot for your viewing pleasure.

slowz3r said:
Still sorta understood all that, so should I just leave it where Im at, i mean it is what came with the phone stock after all
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
PRL is preferred roaming list, iirc. When searching for a network, it'll get preference to those that are on the list over those that aren't. Supposed to be battery savings.

unremarked said:
PRL is preferred roaming list, iirc. When searching for a network, it'll get preference to those that are on the list over those that aren't. Supposed to be battery savings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fair enough

I'm noticing this too. I get full HSDPA in the US on AT&T, but when I came to Taiwan and plugged in my prepaid sim for Taiwan Mobile which clearly has 7.2mbps HSPDA in this city, I only get the "3G" icon.
I did do the *#*#INFO#*#* to set my band to Euro which was how data kicked in. But otherwise it only shows "3G." Readingt he posts above, people say it idles on UMTS, but I have AT&T at home and it always shows the H icon. I can never the the H icon in Taiwan.
I have the 9020a which has 850/1900/2100, so I'm not understanding whats going on... Is the lack of 900 3G band hurting me?
Edit: I've been using this phone for 7 months on AT&T now and I just arrived in Taiwan last night....

正常啊。在 系統設定 - 關於手機 - 狀態 裡，看到 行動網路類型，會顯示為 hsdpa。這就是3.5g h了。雖然訊號顯示為3g，實際在支援hsdpa的地方會使用hsdpa的。
我是大陸的，語言可能不太好理解，見諒。

[Q] Is HSDPA and HSPA+ the same thing?

Im coming from a couple HD2's and Vibrants and from my understanding, HSDPA is only 3.5G. Well, I only see HSDPA connection on my phone, and not a HSPA+ signal.
So am I even getting 4G?

You wont really see anything different to distinguish between the 2 besides running a speed test, Im on cm7 so I either see an "H" which is hsdpa or hspa+ but only a speed test over 3.5 will let me know for sure if I'm on the Hspa+ then theres the 3g icon which is usually umts but can be hspa, like I said just use the speed test ap thats the only way I ever know

also the highest Ive ever seen my 4G in los angeles is like 7.5mb on the normal it hovers around 4mb which never leaves me quite positive im on hspa+ because my wifes 3g Nexus S usually pulls down around 3.8

are you using T-Mobile or simple. I am having an issue as well but the plus sign is a huge difference.

i dont even know if you will ever see the HSDPA+! the way to check is go to settings>about phone>network> now here is where it gets tricky. where is says Mobile network type: it will tell you when you are on GPRS and EDGE! when my phone is on 3G is says UMTS, when it is in 4G, is says HSDPA. this is based on me doing speed tests while phone was on said network types. also i use a widget called "mobile signal widget". as you know the status bar never tells you the difference if you are on 3G or 4G, but the widget does! when the widget says 3G on it, when i flip to settings it says UMTS. when the widget says H on it, when i flip to the settings and it says HSDPA.