WirelessAdvisor.com

CRC · 07-20-2006, 4:10 AM

I've been reading in other forums about doing a manual search to make your phone go to another network, but I can't seem to make it work. I live in Oakland, CA. and where I live that map shows a pale green...so needless to say, coverage in my apt stinks.

I go from 1 to maybe 2 bars...but most of the time the phone is "searching". So the rep at the store suggested I try doing a manual search. So I go into phone, then network, then select manual...then go to menu and select #1 "find a new network". Then the phone will say "downloading settings from the network". So then it say's at the top "T-Mobile or Cingular"...so since T-Mobile isn't working so hot, I select Cingular. The phone then says "Sending settings to the network"...then a "long" pause. It either comes back with "ERROR...unable to save settings. Verify that you have network coverage and that the setting is supported", or it'll go to "home network"...which I guess is T-Mobile.

Now I've been told that it might do this due to if the phone/system dedects T-Mobile coverage, then it won't roam onto Cingular's...but what's strange is while I have lousy coverage in my apt with T-Mobile, a friend with a Cingular phone comes over and get 5 full bars and great coverage! Go figure!

I'm under a 30-day trial with this new plan with T-Mobile...but am ready to jump ship if I can't get this to work. I also currently have Verizon, which works in my apt just fine...but I won this SDA phone through T-Mobile and really like T-Mobile better than VZW and would like to stay with them. I have e-mailed (twice) to T-Mobile...called a tech (twice) and bugged the poor store rep's numorous times. Any suggestions? (Other than moving, which is out of the question at the moment!) I've also taken out the battery and sim card...put them back in. That hasn't helped/worked either.

Thanks!

ShoresGuy · 07-20-2006, 10:57 AM

Have you tried the T-Mobile SIM inserted in another phone in the same exact area (i.e. same room of your apartment)? It could be that a phone with an external antenna will experience different results than a PocketPC with an internal antenna.

I've been away from the Bay Area for quite a long time so I'm out of the loop about the coverage quality over in the East Bay.

Telekom · 07-20-2006, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRC

I've been reading in other forums about doing a manual search to make your phone go to another network, but I can't seem to make it work. I live in Oakland, CA. and where I live that map shows a pale green...so needless to say, coverage in my apt stinks.

I go from 1 to maybe 2 bars...but most of the time the phone is "searching". So the rep at the store suggested I try doing a manual search. So I go into phone, then network, then select manual...then go to menu and select #1 "find a new network". Then the phone will say "downloading settings from the network". So then it say's at the top "T-Mobile or Cingular"...so since T-Mobile isn't working so hot, I select Cingular. The phone then says "Sending settings to the network"...then a "long" pause. It either comes back with "ERROR...unable to save settings. Verify that you have network coverage and that the setting is supported", or it'll go to "home network"...which I guess is T-Mobile.

Now I've been told that it might do this due to if the phone/system dedects T-Mobile coverage, then it won't roam onto Cingular's...but what's strange is while I have lousy coverage in my apt with T-Mobile, a friend with a Cingular phone comes over and get 5 full bars and great coverage! Go figure!

I'm under a 30-day trial with this new plan with T-Mobile...but am ready to jump ship if I can't get this to work. I also currently have Verizon, which works in my apt just fine...but I won this SDA phone through T-Mobile and really like T-Mobile better than VZW and would like to stay with them. I have e-mailed (twice) to T-Mobile...called a tech (twice) and bugged the poor store rep's numorous times. Any suggestions? (Other than moving, which is out of the question at the moment!) I've also taken out the battery and sim card...put them back in. That hasn't helped/worked either.

Thanks!

You can only register on networks that allow you to. You do not have permission to register on another network in your area.

CRC · 07-20-2006, 1:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Telekom

You can only register on networks that allow you to. You do not have permission to register on another network in your area.

Then why does my phone on it's own jump over to Cingular for just short little "blip's"? (But then of course it goes back to T-Mobile). Also when doing the manual request it gives it as an optional network. Not trying to be difficult, just wondering!

hinano_paradise · 07-20-2006, 2:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRC

Then why does my phone on it's own jump over to Cingular for just short little "blip's"? (But then of course it goes back to T-Mobile). Also when doing the manual request it gives it as an optional network. Not trying to be difficult, just wondering!

I've heard that T-Mobile and Cingular's roaming agreement now only applies to areas where they don't operate in the same market. Since both T-Mobile and Cingular are in Oakland (even if the T-Mobile signal is weak), then you won't be allowed to roam on the Cingular network. I am not 100% positive that this is the issue, but I think that is what it probably is.

Jay2TheRescue · 07-20-2006, 4:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRC

Then why does my phone on it's own jump over to Cingular for just short little "blip's"? (But then of course it goes back to T-Mobile). Also when doing the manual request it gives it as an optional network. Not trying to be difficult, just wondering!

Your phone is displaying networks available, but your SIM card is blocking you from staying on the Cingular network. I have Cingular and on my phones if I try to register on TMO the phone pauses for about a minute then says "Registered: Cingular". Cingular and TMO do not roam on each other's networks much, only in very specific areas.

-Jay

Charlyee · 07-20-2006, 4:34 PM

Apparently Cingular does not roam on T-Mobile in my area, if I manually choose T-Mobile, it comes back with "No Network Access". Like Jay says the phone is seeing all the available networks but the SIM is blocking you from availing of them.

Jay2TheRescue · 07-20-2006, 4:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlyee

Apparently Cingular does not roam on T-Mobile in my area, if I manually choose T-Mobile, it comes back with "No Network Access". Like Jay says the phone is seeing all the available networks but the SIM is blocking you from availing of them.

Yeah, Cingular & TMO "Do not play well w/ others"

-Jay

CRC · 07-20-2006, 5:12 PM

Thanks Hinano, Jay & Charlyee...that explains a lot. So because of the weak signal with T-Mobile the phone will attempt to jump over to Cingular for a second (which is why I see it briefly on my display...), but then the sim says "oh no you don't...you belong to T-Mobile!" and that's why I can't roam on their network where I live. Well, I got a decision to make while I'm still in the 30-day trial...port over from VZW and when at home be resigned to sit in the office or bedroom window to make a call, or jump the T-Mobile ship and sell the SDA. Well, it was fun while it lasted!

Blast T-Mobile...why can't they get busy and erect a tower in less than 30-day's...just for me!

Jay2TheRescue · 07-20-2006, 5:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRC

Thanks Hinano, Jay & Charlyee...that explains a lot. So because of the weak signal with T-Mobile the phone will attempt to jump over to Cingular for a second (which is why I see it briefly on my display...), but then the sim says "oh no you don't...you belong to T-Mobile!" and that's why I can't roam on their network where I live. Well, I got a decision to make while I'm still in the 30-day trial...port over from VZW and when at home be resigned to sit in the office or bedroom window to make a call, or jump the T-Mobile ship and sell the SDA. Well, it was fun while it lasted!

Blast T-Mobile...why can't they get busy and erect a tower in less than 30-day's...just for me!

Or you can sign w/ Cingular...

-Jay

CRC · 07-20-2006, 5:23 PM

Guess I could...but I'd have to get the phone un-locked.

Jay2TheRescue · 07-20-2006, 5:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRC

Guess I could...but I'd have to get the phone un-locked.

It only costs about $20 to do that... I wouldn't let $20 stand in my way of having phone service that works...

-Jay

Charlyee · 07-20-2006, 5:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRC

Guess I could...but I'd have to get the phone un-locked.

SDA's are pretty easy to unlock, take a look at this, you will probably find something in there to unlock it. You said you liked it and Cingular works in your area, so I agree with Jay, go over to Cingular.

Telekom · 07-20-2006, 8:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CRC

Then why does my phone on it's own jump over to Cingular for just short little "blip's"? (But then of course it goes back to T-Mobile). Also when doing the manual request it gives it as an optional network. Not trying to be difficult, just wondering!

If a roaming agreement exists for an area you can register on a foreign network, but only if a roaming agreement exists.

Telekom · 07-20-2006, 8:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay2TheRescue

Yeah, Cingular & TMO "Do not play well w/ others"

-Jay

They play fine together when there's an agreement to "play." Just because you see a network available does not mean that you can necessarily register on it. You can only roam on another network when a roaming agreement is in place.

Jay2TheRescue · 07-20-2006, 8:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charlyee

SDA's are pretty easy to unlock, take a look at this, you will probably find something in there to unlock it. You said you liked it and Cingular works in your area, so I agree with Jay, go over to Cingular.

I love it when beautiful women agree with me...

-Jay

SmArTeStChIlD421 · 07-21-2006, 9:50 PM

a T-Mobile phone will not register on a foreign network if the phone can detect even the hint of a signal from T-Mobile.......T-Mobile sends its info to your phone but the phone doesn't have the RF power to send back its infor to the tower so when your phone has no service it is wasting its battery trying to find and register on a network......

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay2TheRescue

Yeah, Cingular & TMO "Do not play well w/ others"

-Jay

they play fine together......T-Mobile is now actually offering GPRS in Cingular roaming areas and are working on offering it in other areas

Quint101 · 07-31-2006, 4:50 PM

I have had the weirdest thing happen... just for fun, I did a manual search on my Tmo2GO phone. I was not expecting the phone to see the Cingular signal and register on to it!?! I attempted to make some calls from it but I got the Cingular recordig stating I wasnt allowed to make calls from this line. But I was able to receive a call, in addition to send/receive TXTs. What is going on here? BTW, there was an unlocked icon on the display when I answered the call.

Telekom · 07-31-2006, 6:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quint101

I have had the weirdest thing happen... just for fun, I did a manual search on my Tmo2GO phone. I was not expecting the phone to see the Cingular signal and register on to it!?! I attempted to make some calls from it but I got the Cingular recordig stating I wasnt allowed to make calls from this line. But I was able to receive a call, in addition to send/receive TXTs. What is going on here? BTW, there was an unlocked icon on the display when I answered the call.

What is an "unlocked" icon? There's a locked icon when in screen saver mode if the handset is locked. I've never heard of an unlocked icon.

07-20-2006, 4:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
CRC Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oakland, CA. Posts: 157 Phone(s): BlackBerry Pearl-Flip, Moto RIZR (9th), Samsung SGH-729 "Blast", T-Mobile Dash (7th) Provider(s): T-Mobile Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	"Manual Network Search"??? Help!!! I've been reading in other forums about doing a manual search to make your phone go to another network, but I can't seem to make it work. I live in Oakland, CA. and where I live that map shows a pale green...so needless to say, coverage in my apt stinks. I go from 1 to maybe 2 bars...but most of the time the phone is "searching". So the rep at the store suggested I try doing a manual search. So I go into phone, then network, then select manual...then go to menu and select #1 "find a new network". Then the phone will say "downloading settings from the network". So then it say's at the top "T-Mobile or Cingular"...so since T-Mobile isn't working so hot, I select Cingular. The phone then says "Sending settings to the network"...then a "long" pause. It either comes back with "ERROR...unable to save settings. Verify that you have network coverage and that the setting is supported", or it'll go to "home network"...which I guess is T-Mobile. Now I've been told that it might do this due to if the phone/system dedects T-Mobile coverage, then it won't roam onto Cingular's...but what's strange is while I have lousy coverage in my apt with T-Mobile, a friend with a Cingular phone comes over and get 5 full bars and great coverage! Go figure! I'm under a 30-day trial with this new plan with T-Mobile...but am ready to jump ship if I can't get this to work. I also currently have Verizon, which works in my apt just fine...but I won this SDA phone through T-Mobile and really like T-Mobile better than VZW and would like to stay with them. I have e-mailed (twice) to T-Mobile...called a tech (twice) and bugged the poor store rep's numorous times. Any suggestions? (Other than moving, which is out of the question at the moment!) I've also taken out the battery and sim card...put them back in. That hasn't helped/worked either. Thanks! __________________ Chris C. Oakland, CA.

07-20-2006, 10:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
ShoresGuy Euer WA Experte in Europa Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: 94065,US/Köln, Germany Posts: 6,569 Phone(s): HTC/T-Mobile MDA II PPC, Motorola E770V Provider(s): E-Plus (BASE 12 month flatrate)/Vodafone Germany Devices: T-Mobile MDA II - GSM 900/1800/1900 w/WM 2003 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Images: 419	Re: "Manual Network Search"??? Help!!! Have you tried the T-Mobile SIM inserted in another phone in the same exact area (i.e. same room of your apartment)? It could be that a phone with an external antenna will experience different results than a PocketPC with an internal antenna. I've been away from the Bay Area for quite a long time so I'm out of the loop about the coverage quality over in the East Bay. __________________ Visiting Europe?Ask me: http://forums.wirelessadvisor.com/international-wireless-forum-including-canada-mexico/ http://forums.wirelessadvisor.com/international-wireless-forum-including-canada-mexico/8351-europe-sim-info-helpful-links.html Nokia Reset Codes: http://forums.wirelessadvisor.com/nokia/7973-nokia-series-40-60-80-reset.html Originally from: Redwood City, CA Living in: Cologne, Germany

07-20-2006, 4:34 PM	#7 (permalink)
Charlyee Luv My Treo !!!!! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: SE Wisconsin Posts: 5,556 Phone(s): Treo Pro, Nokia 6131, Moto i325 IS Provider(s): at&t/at&t/Nextel Devices: Assorted handheld & installed GPS Thanks: 35 Thanked 31 Times in 26 Posts Images: 167 My Auctions	Re: "Manual Network Search"??? Help!!! Apparently Cingular does not roam on T-Mobile in my area, if I manually choose T-Mobile, it comes back with "No Network Access". Like Jay says the phone is seeing all the available networks but the SIM is blocking you from availing of them. __________________ The secret of success is sincerity. Once you can fake that you've got it made. Jean Giraudoux (1882-1944)

07-20-2006, 5:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
CRC Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oakland, CA. Posts: 157 Phone(s): BlackBerry Pearl-Flip, Moto RIZR (9th), Samsung SGH-729 "Blast", T-Mobile Dash (7th) Provider(s): T-Mobile Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: "Manual Network Search"??? Help!!! Thanks Hinano, Jay & Charlyee...that explains a lot. So because of the weak signal with T-Mobile the phone will attempt to jump over to Cingular for a second (which is why I see it briefly on my display...), but then the sim says "oh no you don't...you belong to T-Mobile!" and that's why I can't roam on their network where I live. Well, I got a decision to make while I'm still in the 30-day trial...port over from VZW and when at home be resigned to sit in the office or bedroom window to make a call, or jump the T-Mobile ship and sell the SDA. Well, it was fun while it lasted! Blast T-Mobile...why can't they get busy and erect a tower in less than 30-day's...just for me! __________________ Chris C. Oakland, CA.

07-20-2006, 5:23 PM	#11 (permalink)
CRC Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Oakland, CA. Posts: 157 Phone(s): BlackBerry Pearl-Flip, Moto RIZR (9th), Samsung SGH-729 "Blast", T-Mobile Dash (7th) Provider(s): T-Mobile Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: "Manual Network Search"??? Help!!! Guess I could...but I'd have to get the phone un-locked.

07-31-2006, 4:50 PM	#18 (permalink)
Quint101 Let's go Birds!!! Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 2,574 Phone(s): BlackBerry Pearl, Motorolas W385, v195s, LG AX4270, SE Z310a Provider(s): Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Alltel, AT&T Devices: MP3 player, Bluetooth, digital camera Thanks: 15 Thanked 8 Times in 7 Posts Images: 37 My Auctions	Re: "Manual Network Search"??? Help!!! I have had the weirdest thing happen... just for fun, I did a manual search on my Tmo2GO phone. I was not expecting the phone to see the Cingular signal and register on to it!?! I attempted to make some calls from it but I got the Cingular recordig stating I wasnt allowed to make calls from this line. But I was able to receive a call, in addition to send/receive TXTs. What is going on here? BTW, there was an unlocked icon on the display when I answered the call.

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