tmobile connection problems

[kkeadle]

We ordered new phones and a new phone company. We switched from ATT to T-Mobile. I switched from a Palm to a blackberry - and hubby got a blackberry too.... (I have an 8900 and he has a flip one).
I waited so impatiently for fedex yesterday - only to get the phones and not be able to use them!
We live out in the country - so I do not assume coverage for our house with anything (we can't get cable or dsl we are so far out). We had great coverage with ATT - but other problems. The T-Mobile map shows us to be in the best coverage type area. so I ordered.
I have been able to make 1 call - to them.... only a few texts - no internet. It always says SOS. When we called they had us turn the phone off for 10 minutes then back on - wait an hour then try again. Still nothing. When we talked to them we were told that they use whatever tower is close including ATT. So why no coverage???
Any suggestions on what to do to make it work??? Any way to force it???
Thanks,
Kate

[aaroninkansas]

T-Mobile's UMA service might be a good option for you to use at home. It uses a wireless router and the internet to connect your phone to the tmobile network.

[T-MobileAtx]

If you are not getting any sort of error messages on your phone..other than no signal then you have 2 options, bad sim card or your phone isnt fully updated with all the right model info in the system yet. You should call Cust Care to verify all numbers are correct device wise. Technical support should help you through the rest of troubleshooting. Good Luck.

[kkeadle]

Originally Posted by aaroninkansas

T-Mobile's UMA service might be a good option for you to use at home. It uses a wireless router and the internet to connect your phone to the tmobile network.

i honestly don't know if that would work.... we connect to the internet on dialup - at 14.4.... i don't know how it would work together....
Kate

[mandony]

If you phone says "SOS" then that means that it is picking up a carrier other than TM.

If you have an "X" that means you have no wireless connection.
One option would be to update the OS to the latest version:
http://forums.crackberry.com/f100/ne...nguage-245615/

This upgrade will not void your warranty.

Try the phone in places other than near your home. Near the interstate highways there is usually the best signal.

It is possible that in your area you will have to use the local carrier.

[idk...]

i have noticed that with the 8900, the signal strength is horrible.

when my gf had her curve 8320, she always had signal and the battery lasted for days, but with this new 8900, it's f*cking horrendous.

it's very disappointing. try putting your sim card in another t-mobile phone and i guarrantee you it will make a huge difference.

good luck

[T-MobileAtx]

As far as the @home service is concerned..that would not be an option in your situation since it's only campatable with DSL & cable speed internet. Not dial up.

[Artemis68]

Originally Posted by T-MobileAtx

As far as the @home service is concerned..that would not be an option in your situation since it's only campatable with DSL & cable speed internet. Not dial up.

If they get satellite internet service, that may work instead.

[kkeadle]

Originally Posted by T-MobileAtx

If you are not getting any sort of error messages on your phone..other than no signal then you have 2 options, bad sim card or your phone isnt fully updated with all the right model info in the system yet. You should call Cust Care to verify all numbers are correct device wise. Technical support should help you through the rest of troubleshooting. Good Luck.

i get signal occasionally - so i don't know if it is a bad sim.... hubby's phone is the same way. it probably does need updating. i plan on doing that tomorrow while i am in town - hopefully that fixes it. hubby's got good signal today in town. so it is just our house.... of course!
Kate

[kkeadle]

Originally Posted by Artemis68

If they get satellite internet service, that may work instead.

We don't want to pay for what satellite service costs... so on to other solutions...

Thanks,
Kate

[mattglobal]

Originally Posted by Artemis68

If they get satellite internet service, that may work instead.

Don't satellite internet services require a modem for the upstream connection?

[hubermania]

Try upgrading your phones to the latest OS. Later versions sometimes use different radio codes (whatever that means) that give better performance.

Prior post had the 8900 OS link. There's a sticky at the top of the 8220 forum with instructions for Flip OS 4.6.0.267 (the latest T-Mo blessed version is 4.6.0.180).

Although UMA would be a great option, it only works over DSL/cable broadband, and it's not compatible with satellite internet service.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com