[sheeppimpdaddy]

I've recently got an 8520 and absolutly love this phone until I go to use the net and GPS. I know I can buy a bluetooth GPS but what can I do about 3G ???

Is there an aftermarket solution for 3G that can be installed whether it be hardware or software? I like this phone but I'll have to give it up if I can't find a fix for an obvious design flaw.

Thanks in advance for any help :-D

[Wuzzer]

The 8520 will never have 3G support. It's a hardware issue. If you must have 3G, just go with the 9700 or wait for the 9300 which is basically what you're asking for.

[vanlaurence]

Edge, is a form of 3G network. 3G means third generation networks with HSDPA/HSUPA (I think the fastest in 3G forms) followed by WCDMA, UMTS and EDGE where 2G or 2nd generation includes GPRS.

[MidnightDraven]

It is NOT a design flaw that it doesn't have 3G.
It was design as an entry level device; need qwerty keyboard, send emails, but not really for browsing the internet or using maps (hence the no GPS).

This information was readily available before you bought it however.

[penguin3107]

Originally Posted by vanlaurence

Edge, is a form of 3G network.

EDGE is a 2G Transitional network, sometimes referred to as 2.5G or 2.75G. It's not 3G.

[Matrix Leader]

I am so disappointed as well.. I would have paid more to get BB with 3G didn't know that non 3G is so slow its not even usable :(

[TTsoldier]

You can always use the Wi-Fi.

[aalmuhannadi]

Originally Posted by Matrix Leader

I am so disappointed as well.. I would have paid more to get BB with 3G didn't know that non 3G is so slow its not even usable :(

In which way is Edge so slow that it isn't usable? I'm using the 8520 and I think it's pretty good and no 'speed' issues. But one problem is that my emails arrive on the device horribly late, and by that I mean after several hours. I don't know if that's the carrier's problem or the fact that I'm on Edge.

[Dubdub]

Originally Posted by aalmuhannadi

In which way is Edge so slow that it isn't usable? I'm using the 8520 and I think it's pretty good and no 'speed' issues. But one problem is that my emails arrive on the device horribly late, and by that I mean after several hours. I don't know if that's the carrier's problem or the fact that I'm on Edge.

It is considered bad forum manners to hijack another posters thread, especially when your question or problem is not connected with that of the OP. It is best to start another thread in the appropriate section of the Forum.

RIM pushes email to your device approximately every 15 minutes, sometimes less. Does this happen with every email account that you have set up or just one?

Try a battery pull and see if that helps. Also resend service books.

It would also depend upon signal coverage provided by your carrier. At a minimum, you need EDGE (in all caps) to have reliable email.

[vanlaurence]

Originally Posted by penguin3107

EDGE is a 2G Transitional network, sometimes referred to as 2.5G or 2.75G. It's not 3G.

Well, EDGE is considered 3G. Because a transitional network have never been marketed. Here's the source Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[penguin3107]

Originally Posted by vanlaurence

Well, EDGE is considered 3G. Because a transitional network have never been marketed. Here's the source Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Wikipedia isn't always a reliable source. You could have wrote that article for all we know.
For example, how about this one, which states just the opposite of what you referred to?
2G - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

My point remains that nobody in their right mind would consider EDGE to be a 3G wireless technology.

[NJBlackBerry]

EDGE is NOT, and will never be, 3G.

[bagio007]

Greetings,

O.K. i agree that 3G is faster than EDGE, I'm also on 8520 and i dont miss 3G in any way, a college has Bold 9000 and he never uses 3G, its just a waste of resources for most part ( some videos etc. excluded ).

Greetings, Ivan Mijic

[jsconyers]

I guess faster speeds don't matter to you, nor does simultaneous voice and data that 3G offers. It's not a waste of resources, but I guess different strokes for different folks.

[DJ Double-Shot]

I have one and it is 3G. I love it! US Cellular finally upgraded Missouri to 3G on June 30th 2010. What a relief.

[Dubdub]

Originally Posted by DJ Double-Shot

I have one and it is 3G. I love it! US Cellular finally upgraded Missouri to 3G on June 30th 2010. What a relief.

The 8520 is GSM and only on EDGE. The 8530 is CDMA with 3G (EVDO). Big difference.