[Wattie]

I got an unlocked (previously Vodafone UK) Bold and in regards to email, call quality etc Im impressed. However, the 3g signal seems non existent. I tried setting it to 3g only and it locks on and has a strong signal for about 30 seconds then goes to the SOS setting and won't log back onto Orange until I change back to 2g.
Is this a common problem? Have others had it too and if so is there a solution?
Thanks

[kpw4v]

Originally Posted by Wattie

I got an unlocked (previously Vodafone UK) Bold and in regards to email, call quality etc Im impressed. However, the 3g signal seems non existent. I tried setting it to 3g only and it locks on and has a strong signal for about 30 seconds then goes to the SOS setting and won't log back onto Orange until I change back to 2g.
Is this a common problem? Have others had it too and if so is there a solution?
Thanks

I am on Orange UK and had a similar problem when I first got it (last August). However, I have steadily upgraded the OS and with each upgrade, the 3G signal has got more reliable.

You need to check the version of the OS you are running - I have just upgraded to version 266 (which is Vodafone). Check some of the threads on here for how to download and upgrade.
Kevin

[Wattie]

Thanks for the reply. I have had BBs before so the first thing I did was upgrade to the latest OS. At least I know I'm not alone with this problem! Maybe the next software upgrade will sort it out properly!

[Narve]

Try downgrading to a different OS. Failing that ring 150 and ask if there are any 3g mast issues in your area

[Wattie]

Thanks for the replies. Someone suggested to me that it could be due to the sim card possibly being a 2g one. If this was the case, would the 3g signal still show up for a few seconds?I tested it today in a very strong 3g area and it found 3g for a few seconds before going off again. In fact, the Bold seems to be the poorest phone I have ever owned for holding a signal even on 2g as it drops connection regularly.

[markuk]

Originally Posted by Wattie

Thanks for the replies. Someone suggested to me that it could be due to the sim card possibly being a 2g one. If this was the case, would the 3g signal still show up for a few seconds?I tested it today in a very strong 3g area and it found 3g for a few seconds before going off again. In fact, the Bold seems to be the poorest phone I have ever owned for holding a signal even on 2g as it drops connection regularly.

I am not on Orange but O2, I did have a similar problem, but SIM card was ancient O2 advised I needed a 3G sim card and since then I get rock solid 3G even indoors and at work.

Suggest you ask Orange for a 3G card, mine was free from O2.

[qpop]

Yes, it's an issue with the SIM card...you'll only have a 2g one. Now, good luck trying to get any of the CSRs at Orange to provision you a 3g one!!

[Wattie]

Thanks. Ill give them a ring tomorrow - wish me luck! lol

[qpop]

What I'd recommend is getting through to the data department, and if they try to pass you to handset faults don't let them...use the logic that if you had the model replaced by a 3g one theyd provision you a 3g sim...

[Wattie]

Didn't have any luck. Apparantly they class the sending out of a 3g simcard as a 'back door upgrade' which they don't 'condone'. Any sim they send out will be for the phone I initially had which is a 2g one. Ridiculous.

[qpop]

Did you try what I said? The way to get around CSRs in Orange is use logic...
If they're not being very helpful ask them (politely) for their name and extension number which they're obliged to give you and ask (politely) to speak to their team leader. Battles with CSRs are won with wit and logic, not with frustration!

If all else fails, go to your local Orange/CPW/Phones4U and try to sweet talk the manager into giving you a pre-provisioned 3g SIM card (There's always loads of these knocking about for one reason or another) , and then ring up Orange CS, ask to be put through to registrations (Indian call centres work to your advantage here!) and give them the SIM number and they'll do the rest for you!

[Wattie]

Thanks for the advice. I'll try going into the Orange store next week.

[Wattie]

Well, tried the Orange store, Carphone Warehouse and have rung Orange again, spoken to someone higher up and still being told they wont send me a 3g card. Even told them I wanted to access the premium services only available on 3g (ie more cash for them) but they still won't. So I have told them I will be cancelling next month when the contract is up. Still no offer of sending a 3g sim. So they are more willing to lose a customer than provide a 3g sim and make more money. Pathetic.

[qpop]

Sorry to hear that dude, it's frustrating from a customer perspective, the CSRs don't have any concept of the difference between a good and bad customer experience.

[Wattie]

I know. The sad thing for Orange is that as I sort out the phones for different members of my family, they will lose 4 customers in the next couple of months. All for the sake of a 3g sim card. Pathetic really but I always believe there is no point showing loyalty to a company which shows no loyalty to you.

[Narve]

have you tried disconnections or retentions? Or when you phone them up ask to make a formal complaint...

[Wattie]

The contract can be cancelled from the start of August so I'll ring them back then and see if I have any joy. If not I'll probably just go payg with t-mobile! Orange reception seems to have deteriorated since I had one before anyway!