How to solve 3G data problems
3G in General
A working 3G data connection shows up in the top status row of the Pre. That row shows either 3G or G (also called 2G) on the left of the signal strength icon on GSM models, provided that the WiFi is off or WiFi is not connected. Once WiFI is connected its icon will overwrite the 3G icon. That way you always know what connection is active for data connections. Many have reported 3G data connection problems, especially when using the Pre on 'non-supported networks' (to be defined). This Wiki helps to solve those problems.
Type of 3G or APN Problems
- Connection to networks in countries where the Pre is not sold through Palm's channels: some work out of the box, some experience problems as follow.
- Network operator not present in the Pre Carrier database: reported in the forum that this can be solved
- Network operator present, but entries in Database are wrong: reported in the forum that this can be solved
- Manual settings on Phone preferences cannot be saved: not sure, probably network operator not present in database
- Data connection not established while DB entries seem OK: can be solved in many cases
- Voicemail number wrong or not present: can be solved
How to Determine which Problem Case(s) is (are) Applicable
This is tricky and needs some work.....
Forum threads that discuss or solve the 3G problem
Since this How to is just starting, the following threads contains many working suggestions
- APN Problems with 1.3.1/1.3.5 [1]
- Carrier/APN settings for 1.13 German and 1.21 US[2]
- Adjusting Carrier Settings / SSH into device guide/help for dummies...does it exist?[3]
- MMS not working MMS not working [4]
- Data still not working in 1.3.1 UK (Multi-page thread 1 2 3 ... Last Page)[5]
- Confirmed manual Carrier/APN settings in webOS 1.3[6]