Nokia 6263 Useful Tip

For any Nokia 6263 users out there on T-Mobile, here's some software information for you.

The 6263 comes from T-Mobile with software V05.20 (17-04-08 RM207). This is the current and most up to date software, BUT there is some difference between the version T-Mobile puts on the phone and the general version available from Nokia directly.

This has been talked about on the Nokia boards at HoFo (Howard Forums). T-Mobile cripples some features on the phone with their software. The Nokia version of the software uncripples some of those features, one of which is the ability to choose (under Settings> Phone> Network Mode) Dual Mode, UMTS, or GSM (the latter being a battery saver). Under this option with the T-Mo software, Dual Mode is automatic, with no other option available within the setting. Also, as T-Mobile activates their 3G UMTS service, the Nokia software allows you to see whether you're getting 3G or regular GSM. T-Mobile blocks the ability to see the 3G designation AT ALL on their software, so there's no real way to tell whether you're on their 3G network or not (apparently they want the transition to be invisible, I'm guessing??)

There are other minor changes that occur with a re-installation of the software from Nokia, such as adding a useless Push-To-Talk option (totally unusable with T-Mo), but from what I've read on HoFo, the Nokia software allows third-party software installations, whereas T-Mobile's software blocks this. I'm sure there are other changes I have yet to notice, so keep this in mind if you wish to update the software, as you might lose an option you had before. But there are FAR more benefits to the Nokia software that outweigh any negatives.

I was able to re-install the Nokia version software through installing Nokia PC Suite (Version 7.0) and from that, Nokia Software Updater. You know there is a USB cable that comes with the phone, so you're all set to connect your 6263 to your PC and update what you wish. Good luck!

 

Interestingly, with the original T-Mobile software, the "G" was visible when packet data was set to "always online". With the Nokia version, now the "E" appears. I believe the T-Mo version, although showing "G", still accessed data at EDGE speeds. I don't understand why showing the "G" instead of the "E" was worthy of blocking? I don't get T-Mobile's logic on this. I'm just glad the Nokia software re-install returned my phone to the way Nokia designed it to be.

I'm guessing T-Mobiles taking a page out of Verizon & AT&T's tight-fisted control "manual" with their phones. They must have their reasons, but the logic behind it escapes me...

 

I found the firmware download at the Nokia USA web site, but it is no longer there. I'm not sure why it was removed, but I wouldn't be surprised if T-Mobile requested its removal.

Unfortunately, I don't know where you could get it now. The firmware version number is the same as the original T-Mobile one, just the original Nokia version.

 

I'm guessing T-Mobile got wind of this little loophole and had Nokia remove the firmware update from their site. I'm glad I updated it when I did...

 

This firmware is no longer available on the Nokia site. If you wanted to update to it, your window is closed and has been for a long time.

Time to close this thread.