[Q] What can I do about signal strength? - EVO 4G Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

So through my searching, signal strength ranges from -50dbm (Excellent) to -110dbm (Poor)
I am constantly seeing numbers in the -80dbm range, indicating I have rather poor signal strength.
The fact that I am less than a quarter mile from a known tower confuses me. I would figure being that close I should have great strength, but I dont.
Is there anything I can do to help this, or.. why is this happening?

I'm sure you have already, but you never know...
Do you update your PRL? That sometimes can help. Also have you flashed the latest radio update? Which ROM are you using?

NovaFox238 said:
I'm sure you have already, but you never know...
Do you update your PRL? That sometimes can help. Also have you flashed the latest radio update? Which ROM are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am running SalvageMod.
PRL is 60677. I am not sure of anything else.
I am thinking of flashing all the lasest radios and such this evening.
When I was running Sprint Lovers, my PRI was the latest 1.90.xx.xx and Baseband was the latest 2.15.xx.xx as far as I know.

Hmm.. honestly I'm not sure what else to think of. I must say tho, I have never tried SalvageMod.. but I do realize that some ROMs have HORRIBLE 3G speeds, as others work fairly well. Not sure why that is tho. I'm running MikFroYo 4.6, and my 3G is pretty decent.

-80 dbm is actually not *that* bad at all. It's not great, but it's not terrible either. Performance degradation usually starts to happen in the lower -80's (closer to -90) dbm.
You need to remember, the db measurement is done on a logarithmic scale, not linear. A change of 10db is equivalent to a 100x change in power. Read here if you want to learn more - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DBm

Yeah 80 isn't that bad try being on 99 when you get in the house lol. Glad I moved recently.

I get horrible signal in my house. My bedroom I drop calls even. I was hoping this thread had some solutions. Lol I have tried a few roms radios ect .... many combos too.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App

blizzard1017 said:
I get horrible signal in my house. My bedroom I drop calls even. I was hoping this thread had some solutions. Lol I have tried a few roms radios ect .... many combos too.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There really isn't a permanent solution unless you relocate or call sprint and ***** about your ****ty service until they send you an "airave" unit for your home. At my old place the signal was terrible so I qualified to get a free airave and it boosted my signal from -99 to -65 which was awesome(also gives you 3G). Its just a mini cell tower that runs off your internet just in case you didn't know what it was. Good luck

You need to go through retentions to get the airave for free.

gpz1100 said:
You need to go through retentions to get the airave for free.
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Click to collapse
Free? Yeah but they add a line to your account, that's exactly what they told me.
I told them I didn't want to add a line, I just wanted them to fix whatever was going on.
They credited my acct. $50
Took a couple days of talking to CS but it wasen't hard at all.

I only spoke with 1 person and they took care of it I'm not sure if it was retentions. I have 2 lines on my account there isnt a 3rd line for my airave! They gave me the box for free and they airave fee is like 5 bucks a month I believe but they waive it so idk.

Maybe this will help!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=102505136433981&set=a.154819097869251.29244.100000234853636

dirkyd3rk said:
I only spoke with 1 person and they took care of it I'm not sure if it was retentions. I have 2 lines on my account there isnt a 3rd line for my airave! They gave me the box for free and they airave fee is like 5 bucks a month I believe but they waive it so idk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh I'm not sure who I spoke with as far as the dept. but hey I paid $123 for 3 lines this month, not bad

I just got one for free without going through retentions, barely had to complain as well, hope it helps cause im tired of dropping every call in my house

r916 said:
Free? Yeah but they add a line to your account, that's exactly what they told me.
I told them I didn't want to add a line, I just wanted them to fix whatever was going on.
They credited my acct. $50
Took a couple days of talking to CS but it wasen't hard at all.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're right, after I activated the airave, a second phone # did show up on my account. However, the way it was explained, if/when I terminate my service with sprint, I need to return the airave back, or be charged $100 or $200 for the device. The device and plan that it's on is not subject to any etf or other fees. I was told assigning a number to the device is the only way they can link the device to my account. If I had a data card, it too would have a number assigned to it.
What is the issue of having this virtual line added to your account?

NovaFox238 said:
I'm sure you have already, but you never know...
Do you update your PRL? That sometimes can help. Also have you flashed the latest radio update? Which ROM are you using?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm rooted; everything else is stock. I know I got updates to do; do I have to unroot, run updates, then reroot?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA Premium App

im rooted and run updates alot, go for it.

Makes sense -- my MiFi (previously USB 3G) has a phone number assigned to it. I think it really has to do with the Sprint provisioning system being phone-centric. Any devices would likely need a phone number to fit properly in their system.
gpz1100 said:
You're right, after I activated the airave, a second phone # did show up on my account. However, the way it was explained, if/when I terminate my service with sprint, I need to return the airave back, or be charged $100 or $200 for the device. The device and plan that it's on is not subject to any etf or other fees. I was told assigning a number to the device is the only way they can link the device to my account. If I had a data card, it too would have a number assigned to it.
What is the issue of having this virtual line added to your account?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

Little Help
So I rooted my sprint HTC EVO 4G a few months ago and just flashed the MikG v.2.55 ROM - all good. However, my voice signal reception went from 2-3 bars down to no service at all and my 3G connection is only 1X. I tried updating my "profile" and PRL, no help. Any suggestions on how to increase my signal strength? Do I need to update my "radios" - no idea what those are but I have read a few articles that indicate this might be the problem.
Hardware Version: 004
Android Version: 2.3.3
HTC Sense: 2.1
Software: 2.55
Kernal: 2.6.35.10-g6fe11b3-dirty
[email protected] PoonSense
2.3.3-1
Baseband: 2.15.00.0808
Build: MikG - Sense 2.1 + 3.0
PRI: 2.15_003
PRL:60681
Thanks in advance.

You may want to check if you are actuually connected to the tower you think you are. I have seen similar issues where the closest tower is not the one I am connected to. I use open signal maps on phone, to check, it also helps me tell where for line of sight I can go in house for best reception.
Lou

Related

Speedtest screenshots, and Sprint

If I was to send Sprint speed test screenshots with my phone rooted (TNz Blend ROM) would they say anything?
Imho I don't think it would accomplish anything. I'm guessing your hopes are that sprint will have a visual of what they already know..their data speeds blow. Don't get me wrong, the squeaky wheel gets the oil, but I think sprint would just dismiss it. Especially coming from a "modded" device.
Sent from this phone
patrick_1 said:
Imho I don't think it would accomplish anything. I'm guessing your hopes are that sprint will have a visual of what they already know..their data speeds blow. Don't get me wrong, the squeaky wheel gets the oil, but I think sprint would just dismiss it. Especially coming from a "modded" device.
Sent from this phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well I couldn't agree more. However, a theme park has moved into my area and during the day I nor can anyone else I know that has sprint send or receive calls or text at least 75% of the time. Also less than dial up speeds during the day. Like .02Mbps to .08Mbps. I the really early morning hours I'be gotten up to 2Mbps, on average 1.30Mbps. I mean my network location works everywhere but where I live... (the crap tower)
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
niv3d said:
Well I couldn't agree more. However, a theme park has moved into my area and during the day I nor can anyone else I know that has sprint send or receive calls or text at least 75% of the time. Also less than dial up speeds during the day. Like .02Mbps to .08Mbps. I the really early morning hours I'be gotten up to 2Mbps, on average 1.30Mbps. I mean my network location works everywhere but where I live... (the crap tower)
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard of people successfully receiving one of those broadband powered Sprint mobile extenders...like a mini cell tower powered by your broadband connection (AIRAVE). Just call them, complain that you're having problems with cellular reception in your home and state whether or not the company is planning on implementing any fixes for this situation. They'll probably make you run some diagnostics on your phone but state that a friend of yours was given one of those and see what they say? YMMV
Call this: 866 556 7310
Tell them you have problems with reception in and around your house, and is tired of having to walk mad far to get reception. Ask them if they could supply you with their AIRAVE.
Yea man. An Airave. I actually have 2 of them lol. My house is fine but 30 feet outside of my house or anywhere near that tower I'm toast
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Ok yeah, that's ridiculous. They need to reevaluate that area and upgrade the tower that's being pulled from. There is a section on sprints web page that, once you've put in your zip, will show you tower placement and whether that tower has been or is scheduled to be upgraded. Let sprint know you've noticed this, they want to retain you as a customer, if anything they'll credit you're acct for the inconvenience. I have to admit, they DO have great customer service when faced with a legitimate complaint.
Sent from this phone
patrick_1 said:
Ok yeah, that's ridiculous. They need to reevaluate that area and upgrade the tower that's being pulled from. There is a section on sprints web page that, once you've put in your zip, will show you tower placement and whether that tower has been or is scheduled to be upgraded. Let sprint know you've noticed this, they want to retain you as a customer, if anything they'll credit you're acct for the inconvenience. I have to admit, they DO have great customer service when faced with a legitimate complaint.
Sent from this phone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ohhh trust me I've had ohh about 10 tickets open myself. Not to mention others who have called. I've gotten my share of credits also. At one point they apparently had 10 tickets open at once. I've talked to many supervisors and a couple engineers about it. This has been happening since October. They said its been "fixed" 4 times now. I LOL at that
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
niv3d said:
Ohhh trust me I've had ohh about 10 tickets open myself. Not to mention others who have called. I've gotten my share of credits also. At one point they apparently had 10 tickets open at once. I've talked to many supervisors and a couple engineers about it. This has been happening since October. They said its been "fixed" 4 times now. I LOL at that
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha 10 tix! Outstanding!
Sent from this phone
dcxgod said:
I've heard of people successfully receiving one of those broadband powered Sprint mobile extenders...like a mini cell tower powered by your broadband connection (AIRAVE). Just call them, complain that you're having problems with cellular reception in your home and state whether or not the company is planning on implementing any fixes for this situation. They'll probably make you run some diagnostics on your phone but state that a friend of yours was given one of those and see what they say? YMMV
Call this: 866 556 7310
Tell them you have problems with reception in and around your house, and is tired of having to walk mad far to get reception. Ask them if they could supply you with their AIRAVE.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
niv3d said:
Yea man. An Airave. I actually have 2 of them lol. My house is fine but 30 feet outside of my house or anywhere near that tower I'm toast
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, about AIRAVE, it may boost your singal, but in my case it duplicated my texts or caused some not to go out. I turn AIRAVE off and everything is fine. As soon as it's back on, boom 2,3 copies of the same text come randomly.

So Frustrated.. Just Need To Vent Quickly

I just wanted to vent real quick. because I am so frustrated with the service that I get.. or lack there of.. where I currently live. okay my boyfriend at first had some generic boost mobile phone. never once did he have an issue with sending a text or making a call. always had good service with 4 bars. which made me feel pretty stupid. since I had a nice expensive phone and he had a cheap generic 1.. So
at first I had a samsung moment. I did a bunch of stuff to it.. really wasn't working like it probly should have. so I thought that might be my problem. so in the middle of november I decided to upgrade my phone. got me a samsung galaxy s 2 epic 4 g touch. from sprint. I was so excited to bring it home. got me a 4 g phone thinkin that I'm finally gonna get good service. & once again I was completely wrong. I guess it has a little bit to do with where I live. but evwet time I've ever called sprint with an issue. they tell me that I should have great service at my house. I don't know if they're all morons over there or something. but they always tell me that I should have good service.
it is so frustrating. you don't understand how long I have to sit here sometimes.. waiting for it to send a text. and it failed and I send it over again and it fails and I send it over again. over and over and over. oro I try to make call. and it if I finally get to make a call.. right in the middle of my call it drops it. I'm so lucky if I ever have 1 bar. or if my 3g is actually lit up with at least 1 bar. never got to experience my 4 g yet. cos I can't even get 3 g. what make things worsE is that right now we don't have internet phone or cable. so no wifi for me either.
we pay so much a month for our bill n n I can't even get a decent signal ever. just the other day I was trying to send a text and I swear to you I tried to send it 74x and every single time it failed. I wanted to throw my phone so bad. but then I thought it's a little too expensive to do that!!
I'm looking at my signal bar right now my 3g was lit up for probly about 3 seconds with only 1 bar. now I have 2 bars but 3g is not lit up. which is usually what I have to deal with all day. but included in the fun is when I get to look at my signal and I have no service at all. and I take my phone & i walk all around the house. trying to get my service back. 2 people that come over & if they don't know me or don't know my issue with my phone.. they probably would think I was insane. cuz I spend half my day holding my phone in the air walking around in circles. hoping I can get 1 bar.
I really have no idea anything I just said . I'm sure it's so confusing. but I'm just fed up with this crap. I get this expensive phone.. thinkin I'm going to have the greatest service ever. and I was so wrong and I don't understand. I just don't get why they keep telling me I should have a great service where I live and yet I haven't yet. I had my phone over 2 months now im have not yet to be able to experience the 4 g speeds. why would someone who had a generic boost mobile phone get way better service than I do? it's embarrassing and it's the wrong and it's humiliating. and I just don't know what to do. we have 3 phones on our sprint account. we have the unlimited data package whatever. my phone is basically the only 1 that need the data package. and our bill is over 200 dollars a month. I don't know what else to try I don't know what else to do.
my boyfriend decided to trade his boost mobile phone in for an android phone. he got samsung galaxy precedent. 45 dollars a month for unlimited everything. he doesn't have a perfect signal usually only 2 bars. but he had no problem making a call send a text using the internet. so it doesn't make sense to me.
what if there was an emergency? it would take me 10 minutes just to make a call..
I give up I quit I'm done. I could go on forever complaining about this. but I'll just shut up. sorry guys I just had to vent for a few.
Have you tried installing a custom ROM\Kernel\Modem combo? It's not a magical fix but it definitely improved things quite a bit for me as far as signal strength and 3G reception goes.
Wow, that is a lot of venting.....
First, I am sure it is not the phones fault but just your location. If you look at a map where my house is I should get really good service but there is a small section near me that just does not. I had no problem gettingan Airave for free from Sprint which is a total lifesaver.
Unfortunetly you need to have an internet connection to use it so based on what you wrote it really would not help you any. Only advice I would have is switch carriers because it is not an E4GT issue.
[email protected] said:
Wow, that is a lot of venting.....
First, I am sure it is not the phones fault but just your location. If you look at a map where my house is I should get really good service but there is a small section near me that just does not. I had no problem gettingan Airave for free from Sprint which is a total lifesaver.
Unfortunetly you need to have an internet connection to use it so based on what you wrote it really would not help you any. Only advice I would have is switch carriers because it is not an E4GT issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got the AirRave too, worked like a charm, then decided to act as a DHCP server... killed the internet for everything, including my IP phone. Need to call them about that.
But what I wanted say about the OP's situation is that it was same here. Problem is my roof has aluminum foil in the insulation. If I just step out onto the porch or in the driveway I get very good reception... even 4G. I'm on the MoPho, but same deal. If you can step right outside your house, then you probably have a similar issue. Fix your internet and get the AirRave.
I can understand your frustration, I once had a similar issue with service in the home. I could literally step outside and be fine, but would be so in and out when I'm inside. As others have said, an Airave from Sprint would likely solve the issue.
What an Airave does is it is like a mini cell tower, inside your home. It grabs onto a Sprint signal, and basically amplifies it and provides a stronger signal throughout your house. However, in order to install an Airave, you need to have your home internet connection to hook it up. I installed mine along with our computers and home WiFi network. After doing that, everything has been great, I get good signal strength in the home, and when I leave it switches and I still get good service.
Sprint will provide you an Airave for free if you complain for a little bit, but you can do that once you get your home internet back up and running. Hope things improve.
There are some cell sites that need to be looked at and checked out by service technicians. If you keep complaining to Sprint and telling them about your situation and that the cell site that covers your house needs to be checked out by a tech, then maybe they will eventually do something. There's a place in my city that I go bowling once a week and the cell site is painfully slow.
Like it was suggested, we don't know what software version you have or what version modem software you have. Flashing the phone and modem software to a more current version might help. Both virgin and boost are on Sprint's network.
The airrave that someone spoke of might help too. Someone posted how they got one for no cost.
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1407446
The best thing I can think of is, when you do get internet service, like mentioned above, get an Airave. In the meantime though, google Roam Control, it's an app that's no longer on the market but does exactly what it sounds like (assuming you have free roaming data, this would be a perfect solution). There was a post in the apps not too long ago talking about it if I'm not mistaken. Good luck!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I have an airrave I used about a year ago on Sprint but no longer have a need for if anyone is interested. You just have to call Sprint and have it added to your account.
Airwave best way to go ...its free and so is the service...But since then I rooted the phone I'm on Calks Rom 2.81 and the Gunslinger Kernel...Overclocked at 1.6...Runs like a charm...No dropped calls excellent 3G service...I can't be more pleased...But if you're not gonna root Sprints Customer Service will hook u up with the Airwave...6 bars and no LOS...You'll be happy with that 2...
ronny71 said:
Airwave best way to go ...its free and so is the service...But since then I rooted the phone I'm on Calks Rom 2.81 and the Gunslinger Kernel...Overclocked at 1.6...Runs like a charm...No dropped calls excellent 3G service...I can't be more pleased...But if you're not gonna root Sprints Customer Service will hook u up with the Airwave...6 bars and no LOS...You'll be happy with that 2...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Airave isn't free but if she knows how to talk her way into getting one then she can get it for free. Just make sure you don't pay for it and stress the fact that you've been calling in multiple times with no resolve.
Hope it gets fixed soon.
**I'm laughing because had she been a guy the Trolls, Grammar Nazis & Flamers would have come out in full force**
Android300ZX said:
Airave isn't free but if she knows how to talk her way into getting one then she can get it for free. Just make sure you don't pay for it and stress the fact that you've been calling in multiple times with no resolve.
Hope it gets fixed soon.
**I'm laughing because had she been a guy the Trolls, Grammar Nazis & Flamers would have come out in full force**
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think anyone who writes that much in 1 post deserves some kind of pity...I think I skipped over every other sentence so I could make it to the end...
Really the bottom line is the issue here has nothing to do with the phone.
Sorry ...thats right but it was free with a sob story for CS ...And she surely has one...I had dropped calls and one bar like I was livin in a WW2 Bunker...Airwave is $129 to purchase and $4.99 for the Service...But I've never had a problem with Sprint CS ...I've been a customer for 10 years...and the sob story always works...But like I said with my Phone bein the way it is right now I really don't need it...
reply
Wow.. I'm so happy u guys responded! Didn't really think anyone would even read my very short post.. Ha ha. It actually took me 45 minutes to read your replay. That's about how long it took for the pages to load. Kinda ridiculous.
As for the Airave thingy.. I called them a couple times to find out info & was told it was over $100 some dollars to purchase and then I would be charged a monthly fee. Which I would not be willing to pay for. Our bill is over $200 a month as it is.. So can't afford nothing else.
& as for kernels/roms, modems.. & what not.. I have no clue what I have on my phone currently.. So I'll just tell u what it says in my "about phone" section..
BASEBAND VERSION: S710.10 S.EL26
KERNEL VERSION: 2.6.35.7-SPH-D710.EG30-CL435734
BUILD: GINGERBREAD.EK02
HARDWARE: D710.10
Yes I am rooted. My friend rooted it for me, so I don't know what he put on it. But device was horrible still even before it was rooted so I can't blame my friend.
Thanks for all the advice and info.. I'm not sure what to try next.. Thanks Guys!
MissLaniS said:
Wow.. I'm so happy u guys responded! Didn't really think anyone would even read my very short post.. Ha ha. It actually took me 45 minutes to read your replay. That's about how long it took for the pages to load. Kinda ridiculous.
As for the Airave thingy.. I called them a couple times to find out info & was told it was over $100 some dollars to purchase and then I would be charged a monthly fee. Which I would not be willing to pay for. Our bill is over $200 a month as it is.. So can't afford nothing else.
& as for kernels/roms, modems.. & what not.. I have no clue what I have on my phone currently.. So I'll just tell u what it says in my "about phone" section..
BASEBAND VERSION: S710.10 S.EL26
KERNEL VERSION: 2.6.35.7-SPH-D710.EG30-CL435734
BUILD: GINGERBREAD.EK02
HARDWARE: D710.10
Yes I am rooted. My friend rooted it for me, so I don't know what he put on it. But device was horrible still even before it was rooted so I can't blame my friend.
Thanks for all the advice and info.. I'm not sure what to try next.. Thanks Guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep tryin different CS Reps...You'll get one...Tell them you can't call for Pizza down the street...Calls are droppin left and right and tell them you got somebody in the Hospital and u need it to work from your House for phone calls from the Docs and Hospital...Tell them your a loyal Sprint Customer and can't afford to buy the Air Wave and pay the monthly service...Believe me at the time this was a true situation for me with My Wife in the Hospital...I called two different Reps within a half hour and the second one hooked me up...Its definitely worth a shot...
As far as roms rooting and the rest ...theres a wealth of information on here ...Just look around and you'll find what your're lookin for for your phone and more than enuff people to help ya out...
Download "Text plus" from the market.. If your signal is weak, you should be able to text from that app. Sometimes I have no bars and I get the "message not sent"... I send it through "text plus" and it goes through ever time! And I'm waaaaaaaay out in the boondox! Mississippi....
Sent from my Blazing E4GT using XDA premium
SMS and mms are sent through the phone connection (bars cdma) and the internet rides on the evdo (1x 3g 4g). An app I stumbled across that I use sometimes is called fresh network. I'm not completely sure exactly what it does but lots of people are giving it 5 star reviews and raving about it. Running it cycles the modem off then on again. I don't know what it does under the hood.
Gotta say I feel crappy service pain. My house is across the street from a tower and three blocks from 4g coverage, and I get no coverage in my houseor on my street.
Sprint sent rave for free, but it butchered my service....sending texts multiple times, dropped calls, etc. Probably had more to do with ip issue than rave, but still problematic.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
MissLaniS said:
Wow.. I'm so happy u guys responded! Didn't really think anyone would even read my very short post.. Ha ha. It actually took me 45 minutes to read your replay. That's about how long it took for the pages to load. Kinda ridiculous.
As for the Airave thingy.. I called them a couple times to find out info & was told it was over $100 some dollars to purchase and then I would be charged a monthly fee. Which I would not be willing to pay for. Our bill is over $200 a month as it is.. So can't afford nothing else.
& as for kernels/roms, modems.. & what not.. I have no clue what I have on my phone currently.. So I'll just tell u what it says in my "about phone" section..
BASEBAND VERSION: S710.10 S.EL26
KERNEL VERSION: 2.6.35.7-SPH-D710.EG30-CL435734
BUILD: GINGERBREAD.EK02
HARDWARE: D710.10
Yes I am rooted. My friend rooted it for me, so I don't know what he put on it. But device was horrible still even before it was rooted so I can't blame my friend.
Thanks for all the advice and info.. I'm not sure what to try next.. Thanks Guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at your About Phone, you're using a leaked modem (EL26), which is actually what I'm using, however every phone is different, and by that I mean maybe an older or newer modem would work for you.
Also, you're running an EG30 kernel with an EK02 ROM. In simpler words, you might just be using a combination that your phone doesn't like for one reason or the other.
I suggest putting some time into learning what all these things are, if not ask your friend to unroot it for you and bring it back to stock (or if he actually knows what hes doing) to install each official update (EG30, EK02, EL29) and run SpeedTest's to see which works better on your phone.
Wish I could explain more, but it would be nevet ending. Honestly just read the stickies in the Epic 4G Touch Development forum and you ahould be able to learn quickly.
How is Verizon service in your area?
my suggestion would be for you to upload a custom PRL to your phone and roam on the Verizon network which i cant guarantee better reception but it wont hurt to try and as long as you are not using crazy amounts of data sprint wont bother you.
read this thread and use prl 00001.prl its the best one for me but you might have better lck with the other ones.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1267893
I just recieved my airwave in the mail a few days ago, i called this number *866-556-7310* told them i couldnt send/recieve calls or texts in my place. They asked how long has this been happening to you, i replied since i started with sprint 4 years ago, *crickets* they apologized and sent me an airwave for free no monthly service charge or cost of the item.
Best luck to you. shouldnt be much longer till your seeing max bars and able to take a crap across the house from the airwave, while watching HQ youtubes on 3g

Sprint wants to look at my phone..

I am currently running a modified rom (calkulins). I called them regarding terrible reception in my apartment (0-1 bars with dropped calls) in hope of getting an airave. They wanted me to bring my phone into a store to get it checked out. Should i restore it to stock rom before i bring it in?
trantua4 said:
I am currently running a modified rom (calkulins). I called them regarding terrible reception in my apartment (0-1 bars with dropped calls) in hope of getting an airave. They wanted me to bring my phone into a store to get it checked out. Should i restore it to stock rom before i bring it in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do YOU think YOU should do since it YOUR phone... Lets be honest here do you really need to ask that question? Jus Sayin!
I was just wondering since i couldnt find a thread on it via this forum or google. I wasnt sure if they would check if i was running a custom rom.
Do a Nandroid backup and then restore to pure EL29. They would almost certainly tell you the problem was caused by the custom Rom. Once they determine the phone is fine you can restore back to your everyday setup and get your airrave
Thanks. I'll do that. Just have to find that tiny usb device to reset my counter.
No... with Sprint (at least for the majority) there is no reason to worry about software on your device. Chances are they will just open it up check for water damage and check to see if the antenna is messed up.
I can't say this is the case for all stores. I know the store I work for does not care along with the majority of stores surrounding. If they feel its a software issue they will just do a hard reset on the device to see if it solves the issue.
If you were sending it in to Sprint vs at a store then I would say it would be different.
Maybe also use a USB jig to reset the download count to be on the safe side also.
Idk what their issue is, I got an airave for free when i *****ed about my service and did it all via phone, no store visit. And yes my service sucked even on stock.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA App
Can this work even if u have the prefect reception i just wanna get an airwave just to say i have one lol
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I called sprint a month ago and told them I had been having reception issues for months and they offered me an airave right away for free. I would try calling back and asking them to send you one. It improves reception but doesnt always connect plus you have to run a long wire for the gps to connect. you would think with technology it would be more sophisticated but for free and better reception it works.
Ask for retentions department.
Sprint Care is able to see the number of dropped calls. If you are indeed dropping calls, just tell them that you should not have to drive to a store to verify what they should already be able to see.
my reception at the house has been junk recently - 4 bars to 0 and calls are getting dropped. I haven't updated the modem, but I did update my PRL today and the signal has been strong since then.
Yeah I ordered an airave last fall through customer service (*2) and they sent it right away after I told them about my reception problems. You should try and call again because there is no reason why you should take it to the sprint store.
or hell, just call and tell them you already went and they said it was fine haha. but yeah, its weird that there asking you to send it in to a store if you called customer service....unless you called a store?
playya said:
What do YOU think YOU should do since it YOUR phone... Lets be honest here do you really need to ask that question? Jus Sayin!
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This is helpful how?
robbyr said:
This is helpful how?
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My bad but I guess I just don't see the need to start a thread about should I reset my phone to take back to Sprint. I understand what he wants to do but lets be honest... Safest thing in this situation is cover all your bases and just reset to stock take it in let them look at it and then root when you get back home. Honestly rooting is not hard on this phone and unrooting is just as easy....
So my form of helping was to not have threads like this for questions that honestly are just common sense...
@OP - I meant nothing negative to you directly and I apologize for all the sensitive people who don't like what I said....
Good luck on your AirRave I have one and its well worth it for free
Thanks for the help everyone. I contacted sprint again and re-explained my situation. They informed me that one of their towers has been down since November, which is strange because the lady I spoke to before said there was no reports regarding that. I am still skeptical and still no airave.
No harm done playya. It was more of a frustration since i work at a hospital and need to know if I have to come in early for a post-operation evaluation. I've had instances when phone calls/texts don't come through, so i would have to wake up at 3-4AM, reboot my phone, drive a mile away, and see if i get a text/voicemail. My friend who has sprint and visited me had the same issue. I'm very close to changing my service.
It's been 2 weeks in, about 10 calls to sprint with a drop call almost every time, and they still haven't resolved this issue. They've scheduled callbacks but haven't received one yet. During my drop calls, half the time the reps don't bother calling back.
They keep saying that the "down tower" is fixed and close my ticket, then when i call saying that my signal is unchanged, there is another outtage. I hope this is worth their hassle, because there's going to be 10 lines transfered (3 on mine and 7 on my extended family.)
Sorry for my rant, but this has been frustrating.
Next time you call explain the situation and past history and politely insist that the rep open a network CTMS ticket.

So… I need some assistance understanding a situation I have with Sprint right now.

A while back I took my phone into sprint because the screen was going dead every few minutes. They gave me a new phone and I immediately turned on 4g to try it out. The woman at the store took it out of my hand, turned off 4g and said "We don't have 4g around here, don't even turn it on."
I listened to her until tonight. I turned on 4G in my room in my home where I can hardly get any signal at all… Dolphin browser loads almost immediately, Baconreader pulls reddit up so fast. Loading images takes seconds instead of minutes.
… I'm seriously going to slap someone. I'm just trying to think of reasons as to why this could happen without me knowing. I mean I know I'm a rube for not turning on 4G since she said it would be a waste of time but this is completely contradicting everything she said. Is it possible my rom (calkulin 3.0) could be helping my phone connect with 4G towers from other providers? It says 4G and 3G signal and roam control is set to auto and it is not roaming.
The speed test still says it's below 1mb for upload and download. Pretty much .40 mbps. Still that's better than what it was before… I'm just so confused.
Some employees are just misinformed and well, just dumb. They are a bad representation of a company. But yea if i was u, i probably would've turn 4g on as soon as i left the store lol
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Maybe they updated your service since she said that or she just doesn't know that 4g is actually available. El29 has the best performance as far as signal goes. At least that's my opinion.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk
ddrt said:
Is it possible my rom (calkulin 3.0) could be helping my phone connect with 4G towers from other providers?
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The only other company using WiMax is Clear who's parent company if you want to call it that built for Sprint. Though I can't be certain pretty sure everything their using is part of their contract with sprint and very few towers are being added.
Overstew said:
El29 has the best performance as far as signal goes. At least that's my opinion.
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EL29 was great but somewhere along the line during these ICS leaks i started getting 4G on the freaking highways i take to and from work. I seriously doubt that many towers got added
1st. why the hell would you listen to someone when they tell you not to do something with your phone, its yours.
2nd. you pay for that service, thats one of the first things I would have checked to make sure it did/didnt work in an area you knew you could get 4g.
3rd. CONGRATS on finding 4g where most cant
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
I think you have been had.
Don't bother turning on your phone at all. Sprint has no service in your area. The lady just wanted commission.
As a favor, I'd be willing to take your phone off your hands for $25 bucks, but the offer expires in 24hrs because I'm helping out someone else in the same situation as yourself.
sfhub said:
I think you have been had.
Don't bother turning on your phone at all. Sprint has no service in your area. The lady just wanted commission.
As a favor, I'd be willing to take your phone off your hands for $25 bucks, but the offer expires in 24hrs because I'm helping out someone else in the same situation as yourself.
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wow, what a nice offer
sfhub said:
I think you have been had.
Don't bother turning on your phone at all. Sprint has no service in your area. The lady just wanted commission.
As a favor, I'd be willing to take your phone off your hands for $25 bucks, but the offer expires in 24hrs because I'm helping out someone else in the same situation as yourself.
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Humor and sarcasm,,, I know it when I see it. And I see what you did there,,
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
While there is no advertised 4G in Omaha,it is considered a test market so I get 4g from clearwire. Check for yourself. Www.clear.com/coverage
Only a speed test will tell you if you have 4G, or not.
Well, Sprint notes in the community forums that there is limited 4G coverage in Sioux Falls area... CW suggests they're using the BridgeMaxx towers.
http://www.digitalbridgecommunications.com/OurTowns/tabid/69/Default.aspx
Guess it was never confirmed though.

Couple of questions for those of you with an Airrave.

So I'm moving to a new apartment in a couple of weeks, and the area is notorious for having crappy sprint coverage. Being as that I'm a 3rd party retailer for sprint, my rep set me up with a free airrave, no questions asked.
MY question is, does the Airrave have some sort of password protection so that i won't have 5 neighbors constantly using my Airrave? I know it works through my internet, so I don't want to have a bunch of people slowing down my internet.
Also, I was reading about an issue with text messaging with the airrave. Does anyone know if they fixed the problem yet?
Slash8915 said:
So I'm moving to a new apartment in a couple of weeks, and the area is notorious for having crappy sprint coverage. Being as that I'm a 3rd party retailer for sprint, my rep set me up with a free airrave, no questions asked.
MY question is, does the Airrave have some sort of password protection so that i won't have 5 neighbors constantly using my Airrave? I know it works through my internet, so I don't want to have a bunch of people slowing down my internet.
Also, I was reading about an issue with text messaging with the airrave. Does anyone know if they fixed the problem yet?
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You can lock your airave to just your number. And I have no problems at all when using the airave, texting, calling, or data
Slash8915 said:
MY question is, does the Airrave have some sort of password protection so that i won't have 5 neighbors constantly using my Airrave? I know it works through my internet, so I don't want to have a bunch of people slowing down my internet.
Also, I was reading about an issue with text messaging with the airrave. Does anyone know if they fixed the problem yet?
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The Airrave has made a tremendous difference for my coverage at home-- I live 35 flights in the sky here in Chicago and prior to the Airrave there were some places in my condo unit that I got full signal strength and other places within the unit that I got no signal; with the Airrave I am full strength and no longer need to worry about missed calls/texts due to my phone being in one of the dead zones in my unit.
I don't have password protection enabled on the Airrave (my Wi-Fi & broadband is PW protected) and haven't noticed a negative impact on my web speeds due to the potential of other's accessing Airrave. I would be happy to see if PW protection makes a difference if you'd like me to test it out.
As far as the sending of texts issue-- yes on RARE occasions w/the E4GT on wi-fi (which is connected to Airrave) I will get a Failed message when trying to send a text (surprisingly NO issues receiving texts, I even get texts at the same time I am getting Failed to Send notifications). My solutions, both which have worked consistently: 1) Disconnect the E4GT from wi-fi and try to resend 2) If that doesn't work reboot and try to resend.
Hope that helps
There is a way to lock it down so only you could use it.. and possibly any other lines on your acct. However when i asked sprint about it they either didnt want to hassle with it or it really doesnt matter because they didnt want me to lockit down.. either way it has a certain range which can be extended.. i think 800ft then can be extendended to a certain amt of feet. Rarely does it have issues and the only thing they make you do is reset everything. The speeds are still 3g speeds but where you have no service it works perfectly.. i use the antennae and have it close to the ceiling (i have two floors) and of course practically in thw window which is needed to maintain a good gps lock.. other than that, cant complain about something your using free of charge. There is also the time i wanted the gs2.. and what would ya know, my airrave was elig for a full upgrade ;-). So got the sgs2, did esn chng with my line, switched airrave back, sold the og epic.. win/win situation!
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
Slash8915 said:
So I'm moving to a new apartment in a couple of weeks, and the area is notorious for having crappy sprint coverage. Being as that I'm a 3rd party retailer for sprint, my rep set me up with a free airrave, no questions asked.
MY question is, does the Airrave have some sort of password protection so that i won't have 5 neighbors constantly using my Airrave? I know it works through my internet, so I don't want to have a bunch of people slowing down my internet.
Also, I was reading about an issue with text messaging with the airrave. Does anyone know if they fixed the problem yet?
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Click to collapse
Once you get it...it'll be an active line on your account.. click and open it online and put in numbers you only want to have access.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using xda premium
The moment you get your airwave up and running marks the end of texting as you know it. It is really that bad.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
revamper said:
The moment you get your airwave up and running marks the end of texting as you know it. It is really that bad.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
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Lol probably a sprint issue in your area..no problems here at all.. once upon a time there was until i got my airrave replaced.. no problems since and ive been on it over a year
Sent from my SPH-D710 using XDA
revamper said:
The moment you get your airwave up and running marks the end of texting as you know it. It is really that bad.
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
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Had mine 6 months and haven't had any problems sending or receiving any texts
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
I got my airrave in late November and hated it.
The unit caused my phone to constantly think that it was in Tulsa, OK (when in fact I live just north of Oklahoma City, OK) - which was pretty annoying as trying to get the weather or GPS navigation was pretty useless until I got out of the airrave's range.
Then I did some testing and found out that in fact I was missing a rare amount of incoming text messages - like perhaps 1 in 20 or so.
I hate missing any message so that combined with the GPS issue was enough to make me discontinue using the airrave. Fortunately by then some of the better modems for our device had been released which made it to where I didn't need the airrave just to get reliable service at home anymore. I still occasionally miss a call because it takes so long for the phone to receive notification of the call, but I'd rather miss a call than a text message, as voicemail ALWAYS goes through, whereas a missed text message just goes off into the ether.
I came to this thread hoping to see if the problems had been solved yet, but I figured I should share my issues as well. Also I tried a ton of stuff to get the airrave to work properly even with some really knowledgable sprint techs and nothing worked - there was supposed to be an update out "sometime 2012" though so not sure if that's been pushed yet or not.
Edit: Oh also, I wanted to mention that yes you can lock down the unit to only respond to your phone number(s) pretty easily. Thing has a HUGE range as well so it has that going for it. Oh and it's not a big deal for me but do keep in mind your bill will go up by $1.50 a month for that stupid "administration fee" - but you can work it to get a free upgrade out of the line sometimes so you can make it worth it for you.
Hope this helps!
The only time I needed it was when I had the evo3d, I had no signal in my house. Since I had it I've had the texting bug, it been unplugged in my kitchen for the past 3 months.
I have had the Airvana with no issues with the Evo and then Evo3D. Got my E4TG and had texting issues for the first day, then I was fine for a few months. Starting last Thursday, I can no longer receive texts from Sprint or any carrier, I can send fine. I reset the Airave at least 15 times and still the same issue. Sprint says that's just the way the Airavana model works and sometimes it has text problems. They can't explain why it worked fine for months and then just stopped. I am going to hook up my original Samsung Airave that only did 1x data and see if it still happens. I use wifi at home so no need for the Airvana 3G data, especially if I am going to have more texting issues.
I've had my airave since October 2011 and it's made a HUGE difference in service. I live in an area that the Sprint coverage map says has great voice and full 3G, but in actuality I can barely get 1 bar anywhere in my neighborhood, data is deplorable and, often I was roaming in my own apartment. Because of this I had to argue through 3 CS reps before they just gave me one without trying to charge the $120. I do not have it locked down to my number, and i have not noticed any issues with my internet speed - Netflix works flawlessly on my laptop and through my bluray. I have noticed that my phone will sometimes not switch over once in range and I have to toggle airplane mode to straighten it out. Frustrating, but rare.
I would like to know how one of the the previous posters was able to finagle an upgrade out of the Airave line though.
luckychef28 said:
I've had my airave since October 2011 and it's made a HUGE difference in service. I live in an area that the Sprint coverage map says has great voice and full 3G, but in actuality I can barely get 1 bar anywhere in my neighborhood, data is deplorable and, often I was roaming in my own apartment. Because of this I had to argue through 3 CS reps before they just gave me one without trying to charge the $120. I do not have it locked down to my number, and i have not noticed any issues with my internet speed - Netflix works flawlessly on my laptop and through my bluray. I have noticed that my phone will sometimes not switch over once in range and I have to toggle airplane mode to straighten it out. Frustrating, but rare.
I would like to know how one of the the previous posters was able to finagle an upgrade out of the Airave line though.
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+1
my airrave is awesome .. i had to ***** to like 3 people to get it free with no monthly payment but i finally got it . but when i leave my house i dont get the reception .. even like in my driveway so unless your in an apartment building with thin walls i dont think the reception would even reach anyone elses place
I love mine. You finally get some decent 3g speeds. I don't think you have to worry about locking it though. The range isn't that far and you have to also take into account that not everyone has a sprint phone. Plus it doesn't effect my computer speeds at home. We can have Netflix going on two computers and i can talk on the phone with no hiccups.
Sent from Team KC's founding member HTC Evo 4G LTE.
Thanks for the replies, everyone. Where I currently live, I have decent coverage, but I wanted to have it before I moved. I REALLY hope I don't have any text issues, because that would really irritate me. As far as admin fees, I doubt I'll be charged anything. Being as that I'm a store manager, every fee so far has been waived. It also meant I was able to get my E4GT for $50 the day it came out.
I have the texting issue... they have reset the air rave continuously, replaced it twice... and it still base the same problem. Doesn't matter if I am connected to wifi or not.
Slash8915 said:
Thanks for the replies, everyone. Where I currently live, I have decent coverage, but I wanted to have it before I moved. I REALLY hope I don't have any text issues, because that would really irritate me. As far as admin fees, I doubt I'll be charged anything. Being as that I'm a store manager, every fee so far has been waived. It also meant I was able to get my E4GT for $50 the day it came out.
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The Epic 4G Touch forum, as well as the XDA site is rife with complaints about the Airave. I had it and I had the problem with handing off calls once I left its range but my kids had tons of problems with text messages queuing up. Others swear by it.
Just remember: You have to return it or they will charge you for the device. Not hard but when I returned mine they tried to charge me. I think it was $250. I kept my tracking number tho so no problem... Except for one more 30 minute to Sprint.
Do not, I repeat do not lock the airrave down so only you can use it.
This results in anyone else trying to use a sprint phone within the airraves coverage not able to get service at all.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
R1ptide said:
Do not, I repeat do not lock the airrave down so only you can use it.
This results in anyone else trying to use a sprint phone within the airraves coverage not able to get service at all.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
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And yet if you don't lock it down you allow anybody with Sprint service to use your internet... unlimited... unknowingly... Yeah, the last thing I want is for my wacked out neighbor downloading kiddie porn through my internet connection.

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