PRL update on AT&T Wireless - How's it done?

Is there a way to do it automatically (by dialing a number, say, the way Sprint and Verizon subscribers do) over the air? Is it even necessary? Thanks.

[Frito]

OH YES it is very much needed! PRL is Perfered Roaming List in other words it adds to ur coverage and tells ur phone were new towers are among other things. WHen i had AT&T i was always told that it could only be done at the store although i never did believe them! I currently have Verizon and i update my PRL Once a Month which is what they recommend and also cuz its so easy to do.

[KevinJames]

I guess everyone's experience is different. While I suppose that updates are a good thing, in the 7 years I've been with ATT, I've never updated it and never noticed any issues of non-service. I've traveled to Washington State. I've traveled all over California.

Well, it probably makes more of a difference in the spotty areas than in the well-covered ones. I guess I'll call 611 and ask them--I hope the person I speak to is clueful.

[bobolito]

I would be curious to know how to do a PRL update with my TDMA Nokia. Although, whenever there's a new tower around my phone knows it automatically.

[Kenny]

I was told that with TDMA service you don't have to go through the manual PRL updates, it's done automatically. That's why you never really hear about update versions to pick up new towers on TDMA service.

[ILUVSOCAL]

As far as I know, TDMA phones use a IRDB(Intelligent Roaming Database), which is similar to a PRL. I have never seen one decoded like the PRL's are on the newsgroups. They are pushed to the phone, rather than requested as a PRL is. I have a Nokia 3360 with Edge Wireless(AT&T affiliate)in Northern California, and I recenly had had some problems using US Cellular's signal in areas where Edge didn't have service yet. I contacted them via Email, and I got a response back they had just sent me a updated IRDB, and that the phone acknowledged receipt of it. I didn't see any type of message on the phone, so I guess it's all done automatically, and without any user intervention.

[Apoc]

For your Peffered Roaming lists I think with the availbility of the new PRL access for wireless customers it really may or, may not effect the signal on your phone!

How do you update the PRL on Verizon?

[Malial]

dial *228, and select option 2

[Frito]

One correction, its option 1 ( to update ur phone with the latest network coverage information press 1). Atleast here in FL it is although i beilve its a national CS network.