Hello,
I am a new android user and made a switch from apple to get the Note II. I wanted to know if there was a way to turn off the 4G LTE and just switch over to regular 3G? The reason I am asking this is because none of the areas where I live have 4G service and we just recently got 3G service with at&t earlier this year.
So if anyone could help me out with this, I would really appreciate it.
Regards
Since T-mobile live chat did help one bit (background info will be provided shortly), I figure I'll ask the helpful people on XDA.
Trouble: I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (t-mobile variant) running the latest update that is suppose to enable LTE (updated through kies). On 3 to 4 bars out of 4 bars of 4G signal, my download speed varies from 0.05 mbps (when I initially got them in nov 2012) to 5 mbps according to speedtest.net; however, I have seen download speed of 12mbps, but that is only around a local T-mobile store. My 2 locations that I always test are all within 1 hour driving from downtown Los Angeles (with the closest one being only 10 minutes drive) and both city are in populated area, so both cities should provide pretty good HSPA+ signal. The only possibility for the cause that I can think of is the modification to t-mobile's 1900 band, but an employee at a local T-mobile store told me that the Galaxy Note 2 shouldn't be affected by this unless there is a special case. But problem is, I almost never seen a connection speed that goes past 7mbps on my phone.
What T-mobile live chat told me: I won't post the entire chat history unless people really want to see and give yourself some palm to face, so here is a very accurate summary of it. 1) it is very reasonable to be running at a download speed of 0.2 mbps on a full bar of 4G HSPA+ 42 signal on my galaxy note 2. 2) I will be stuck with this speed until LTE rolls out. 3) YES my speed WILL BE THE SAME as my iPhone 3G running on EDGE network from 4 years ago. (I asked #3 as part of a joke because I am just so speechless before that point, and the person actually agreed with that statement) Throughout this chat session, I was provided with links to troubleshoot and possible explanations. One link stated the situation where you go over your data limit, which I have used 1.4GB out of my 5GB data plan.
TL;DR (too long; didn't read): 4G speed on note 2 really slow (read the numbers in the 1st paragraph) and t-mobile live chat representative is completely clueless (funny read if you have time)
Same issue here, ive been experiencing it since December last year. At first I got 0.00mb for weeks when normally I would get 8mb to 15mb down. Tmo requested a service ticket which by the way is still open. According to them work is being done on the towers but its been months now. Ill stick with tmobile, I know they'll make it right. As of now my phone will either get 3mb down or network errors.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
haha438 said:
Since T-mobile live chat did help one bit (background info will be provided shortly), I figure I'll ask the helpful people on XDA.
Trouble: I have a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 (t-mobile variant) running the latest update that is suppose to enable LTE (updated through kies). On 3 to 4 bars out of 4 bars of 4G signal, my download speed varies from 0.05 mbps (when I initially got them in nov 2012) to 5 mbps according to speedtest.net; however, I have seen download speed of 12mbps, but that is only around a local T-mobile store. My 2 locations that I always test are all within 1 hour driving from downtown Los Angeles (with the closest one being only 10 minutes drive) and both city are in populated area, so both cities should provide pretty good HSPA+ signal. The only possibility for the cause that I can think of is the modification to t-mobile's 1900 band, but an employee at a local T-mobile store told me that the Galaxy Note 2 shouldn't be affected by this unless there is a special case. But problem is, I almost never seen a connection speed that goes past 7mbps on my phone.
What T-mobile live chat told me: I won't post the entire chat history unless people really want to see and give yourself some palm to face, so here is a very accurate summary of it. 1) it is very reasonable to be running at a download speed of 0.2 mbps on a full bar of 4G HSPA+ 42 signal on my galaxy note 2. 2) I will be stuck with this speed until LTE rolls out. 3) YES my speed WILL BE THE SAME as my iPhone 3G running on EDGE network from 4 years ago. (I asked #3 as part of a joke because I am just so speechless before that point, and the person actually agreed with that statement) Throughout this chat session, I was provided with links to troubleshoot and possible explanations. One link stated the situation where you go over your data limit, which I have used 1.4GB out of my 5GB data plan.
TL;DR (too long; didn't read): 4G speed on note 2 really slow (read the numbers in the 1st paragraph) and t-mobile live chat representative is completely clueless (funny read if you have time)
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Click to collapse
Just change your apn to old apn. You will get your speed before update. New apn with update will benefit if you are in LTE area.
jay661972 said:
Just change your apn to old apn. You will get your speed before update. New apn with update will benefit if you are in LTE area.
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I would if it would work. I've had a galaxy S2 and a galaxy S3 since then and they all have the issue. seems like i'll have to wait it out.
what is the old APN settings?
haha438 said:
what is the old APN settings?
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Here you go .... http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-1979
Crazy4G1 said:
Same issue here, ive been experiencing it since December last year. At first I got 0.00mb for weeks when normally I would get 8mb to 15mb down. Tmo requested a service ticket which by the way is still open. According to them work is being done on the towers but its been months now. Ill stick with tmobile, I know they'll make it right. As of now my phone will either get 3mb down or network errors.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Other than 3 or 4 specific areas, I have yet to see a speed past 8mpbs, even 6 to 7mpbs are rare. This has been going on since the day i got the phone, and just like you, i was told that the towers' 1900 band is being modified. But today, i was told that the modification shouldn't affect my phone, which lead me to talk to tmobile through their online chat system
Try calling up T-Mobile and complain about data speed is freaking slow. Ask them to reset your data. I did that couple day ago. now my speed before was 5meg down now its 15+ meg download.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda app-developers app
haha438 said:
Other than 3 or 4 specific areas, I have yet to see a speed past 8mpbs, even 6 to 7mpbs are rare. This has been going on since the day i got the phone, and just like you, i was told that the towers' 1900 band is being modified. But today, i was told that the modification shouldn't affect my phone, which lead me to talk to tmobile through their online chat system
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Click to collapse
When I upgraded from my Vibrant to the Sensation, I was under the impression that because of the Sensation's radio, that my speeds would be doubled because it had HSPA+ 21. Then I got the S3 and now the Note 2 and assumed the HSPA+42 radio would double my speeds again. Sadly, that has never been the case. My speeds between the Vibrant and the N2 are not much different in most places. Almost wish I still had my Vibrant so I could prove myself wrong lol.
I've tried conversing with Tmobile many times, wondering if it's because I have the old required android web, which is supposed to be unlimited, without throttling. Tmobile has claimed every time that's not the case but I don't know if I can believe it. Almost tempted to buy an old Vibrant on ebay just to test it out.
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tony yayo said:
When I upgraded from my Vibrant to the Sensation, I was under the impression that because of the Sensation's radio, that my speeds would be doubled because it had HSPA+ 21. Then I got the S3 and now the Note 2 and assumed the HSPA+42 radio would double my speeds again. Sadly, that has never been the case. My speeds between the Vibrant and the N2 are not much different in most places. Almost wish I still had my Vibrant so I could prove myself wrong lol.
I've tried conversing with Tmobile many times, wondering if it's because I have the old required android web, which is supposed to be unlimited, without throttling. Tmobile has claimed every time that's not the case but I don't know if I can believe it. Almost tempted to buy an old Vibrant on ebay just to test it out.
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You have to be joking. Just because it's capable does not mean the congested network will give you that.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Slowed down here in NYC about a month ago. Can't wait for LTE, latest news says "early summer".
I just got this phone and noticed a slow down speed as well. If you want to call it that...
On my s3, in good 4G coverage, I was getting 12-20mbps, to where I never see over 10 now. My uploads are about the same though, in the mid 3's.
I honestly can't tell a huge difference in speed in my case. I will say, my Note trumps my s3 in every way you can imagine.... Minus speed.
Just kind of a gut check, lol!
I feel for some of you guys with those low mbps.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using Tapatalk 2
First of all, I hope I am posting in the right place this time. I couldn't find anything for Note II Canada.
So I just bought a BNIB Note II a few days ago. It's the i317m (from Rogers/Canada) but had it unlocked and modified (or whatever that is called) to get it to work with AWS network (Wind mobile). It worked but the reception on the phone where I live is horrible. Basically the phone will only work if it's stuck next to one wall in my place (where the signal is 1-2 bars). Once I move the phone to any other place I lose all connection, and the phone is rendered useless, which really sucks. I have an older Blackberry that I'm borrowing and it constantly shows 2 bars anywhere in my place. I also had an LG Optimus and as much as it sucked at reception it was still better than the Note. Wind signal is generally good in my area except for a couple of blocks but still, I was expecting the Note II to have better reception than other phones.
So, I'm wondering if this has something to do with this particular phone or is this a known issue with all Notes? Anything I can do? The phone will show full bars once I'm out of those couple of blocks where I live but is it possible that the Note II has worse reception than cheaper and older phones?
Thanks.
I think Samsung are known for weak radios
Electroman365 said:
First of all, I hope I am posting in the right place this time. I couldn't find anything for Note II Canada.
So I just bought a BNIB Note II a few days ago. It's the i317m (from Rogers/Canada) but had it unlocked and modified (or whatever that is called) to get it to work with AWS network (Wind mobile). It worked but the reception on the phone where I live is horrible. Basically the phone will only work if it's stuck next to one wall in my place (where the signal is 1-2 bars). Once I move the phone to any other place I lose all connection, and the phone is rendered useless, which really sucks. I have an older Blackberry that I'm borrowing and it constantly shows 2 bars anywhere in my place. I also had an LG Optimus and as much as it sucked at reception it was still better than the Note. Wind signal is generally good in my area except for a couple of blocks but still, I was expecting the Note II to have better reception than other phones.
So, I'm wondering if this has something to do with this particular phone or is this a known issue with all Notes? Anything I can do? The phone will show full bars once I'm out of those couple of blocks where I live but is it possible that the Note II has worse reception than cheaper and older phones?
Thanks.
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Click to collapse
I'm having the same issue with my Note II on Mobilicity. After researching I've concluded that Samsung devices have weaker radio's that most other devices. I can wander around my home with my Note II in one hand and my wifes HTC Panache in the other and the Note II's signal is always 7-10 dBM lower than the Panache. The Panache never loses connection in my house and always has at least 1 bar while the Note II will drop in many places. Every time I call Mobi they say they'll make changes redirect an antenna by a few degrees or boost the signal but nothing ever changes.
I wish the phone would auto connect to the CDN Roaming network whenever I drop. I think it sort of does but just doesn't Register on the network because I do have a indication I can make Emergency Calls Only and shows I have 2-3 bars.
Senator949 said:
I'm having the same issue with my Note II on Mobilicity. After researching I've concluded that Samsung devices have weaker radio's that most other devices. I can wander around my home with my Note II in one hand and my wifes HTC Panache in the other and the Note II's signal is always 7-10 dBM lower than the Panache. The Panache never loses connection in my house and always has at least 1 bar while the Note II will drop in many places. Every time I call Mobi they say they'll make changes redirect an antenna by a few degrees or boost the signal but nothing ever changes.
I wish the phone would auto connect to the CDN Roaming network whenever I drop. I think it sort of does but just doesn't Register on the network because I do have a indication I can make Emergency Calls Only and shows I have 2-3 bars.
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Click to collapse
I've noticed that my Note2 has poor LTE reception, 1 bar and 1Mbps down. If I switch to WCDMA only I get 4 bars and 7MBps and 1up. I just thought that it was my area. 2 weeks ago I got an S4 and the signal difference is a amazing. The S4 has 4 bars of LTE and I get 20Mbps down and 10up, the Note 2 on the same sim still gets 1 to 2 bars and very slow data.
Senator949 said:
I'm having the same issue with my Note II on Mobilicity. After researching I've concluded that Samsung devices have weaker radio's that most other devices. I can wander around my home with my Note II in one hand and my wifes HTC Panache in the other and the Note II's signal is always 7-10 dBM lower than the Panache. The Panache never loses connection in my house and always has at least 1 bar while the Note II will drop in many places. Every time I call Mobi they say they'll make changes redirect an antenna by a few degrees or boost the signal but nothing ever changes.
I wish the phone would auto connect to the CDN Roaming network whenever I drop. I think it sort of does but just doesn't Register on the network because I do have a indication I can make Emergency Calls Only and shows I have 2-3 bars.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Samsungs have always lacked in the radio department always....
I remember how horrible the s2 was and the epic and vibrant.
Its one issue they have yet to fix.
Motorola #1 then htc then lg then Samsung then iphone dead last.
Sent from my SGH-T889 using xda premium
While looking through Amazon I saw they have the Note 8 with 3G available. Not LTE, but still a step up from Wifi and for not too much more than the standard Note 8 (http://goo.gl/XB8jZF). Is anyone using this model, and do you have any comments on its 3G performance?
I'll be traveling overseas end of this year and I'm thinking of selling my current Note 8 and getting one with 3G instead.
mudge
I have the 3g model and i love it, its a tru all in one device i sold my note 2 about a month ago and i just use my note 8 for everything, 3g performance totally depends on your service provider, im with vodaphone uk and im happy with the 3g service i get although i do use mine mostly on wifi, as for the Lte/4g model it would be absolutely useless to me as there are no 4g masts up yet in my area. So unless u have great 4g coverage where u live or u travel regularly to a 4g area the Lte/4g version wont be much of a bonus, plus 4g data costs and data caps are also rubbish, whats the point in having a super high speed internet with a small data cap where its possible to use your whole monthly allowance in about an hour, yes you can watch streaming movies and tv on 4g but they dont allow you enough monthly data to actually beable to without hitting the limit within a couple of films.
Sent from my GT-N5100 using xda app-developers app
iCurmudgeon said:
While looking through Amazon I saw they have the Note 8 with 3G available. Not LTE, but still a step up from Wifi and for not too much more than the standard Note 8 (http://goo.gl/XB8jZF). Is anyone using this model, and do you have any comments on its 3G performance?
I'll be traveling overseas end of this year and I'm thinking of selling my current Note 8 and getting one with 3G instead.
mudge
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Click to collapse
There are lots of comments regarding the model GT-N5100. Just do a search in this section.
I still have my trusty Note 2 (4.1.2) with wifi tether working just fine. But it is starting to show it's age a bit. Since there is no (perm) root for the note 4 how fast is Fox Fi? Does it work just like old school wifi tether? I generally can pull anywhere from 50-8 on download speeds.
I use foxfi on my Note 4. Speedwise it works fine. It's just limited to your connection speed. Sometimes I get 1mp,sometimes I get 30mp, just depends where I am and how many other users on my same tower.