should I choose option 1 and reprogram the phone or just option 2 to update roaming capabilities. I'm not getting as good reception as I did with my lg flip phone and just wondered if option 1 would help with that.
I don't think reprogramming will help. Option 2 to update your PRL might. The most recent PRL is 51242 as of 1/24/09. You can see your PRL by dialing #4357*
EDIT: I corrected your title. The command is *228. You can dial *22899 to bypass the prompts and execute Option 2. That's what I normally do.
Last edited by JeffH; 01-24-09 at 11:27 AM.
Reason: more info
I don't think reprogramming will help. Option 2 to update your PRL might. The most recent PRL is 51242 as of 1/24/09. You can see your PRL by dialing #4357*
EDIT: I corrected your title. The command is *228. You can dial *22899 to bypass the prompts and execute Option 2. That's what I normally do.
thank you. that's what i thought but wanted to make sure. I did option 2 but can't tell much difference. I've never had reception problems in all the years I've been on Verizon. I hope this is something that can be fixed with updates.
The Preferred Roaming List (PRL) is a database residing in a wireless (primarily CDMA) device, such as a cellphone, that contains information used during the system selection and acquisition process. In the case of RUIM-based CDMA devices, the PRL resides on the RUIM. The PRL indicates which bands, sub bands and service provider identifiers will be scanned and in what priority order. Without a PRL, the device may not be able to roam, i.e. obtain service outside of the home area. There may be cases where missing or corrupt PRL's can lead to a customer not having service at all.
On many networks, regularly updating the PRL is advised if the subscriber uses the device outside the home area frequently, particularly if they do so in multiple different areas. This allows the phone to choose the best roaming carriers, particularly "roaming partners" with whom the home carrier has a cost-saving roaming agreement, rather than using non-affiliated carriers. PRL files can also be used to identify home networks along with roaming partners, thus making the PRL an actual list that determines the total coverage of the subscriber, both home and roaming coverage.
The PRL is built by an operator and is normally not accessible to the user. Many operators provide the ability for the user to download the latest PRL to their device by dialing the Over-the-air (OTA) feature code *228.
Re: liz's comment about not being able to tell much difference: Despite what the wikipedia article says about service, I've never had a problem that updating the PRL solved either. But it can't hurt. Did you get 51242 when you updated?
Last edited by JeffH; 01-24-09 at 12:16 PM.
Reason: More info
I don't think reprogramming will help. Option 2 to update your PRL might. The most recent PRL is 51242 as of 1/24/09. You can see your PRL by dialing #4357*
Thanks I've searched for 3 months looking for prl to clarify #4357*send. Went from 51143 to 51242. Also with altel merger its good practice to update monthly
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
I was told by a corp. verizon store's associate that now we're getting free Alltel calls...at least not charging us minutes with the new PRL...not sure if it's true, but this is what she promised...so if that's true, woohoo!!
I don't think reprogramming will help. Option 2 to update your PRL might. The most recent PRL is 51242 as of 1/24/09. You can see your PRL by dialing #4357*
EDIT: I corrected your title. The command is *228. You can dial *22899 to bypass the prompts and execute Option 2. That's what I normally do.
Thanks for your post. It was very informative for me.
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
You can dail *18 as well
I was told that locks the phone to the tower is by your at that time. Verizon rep told me that sometimes that phones will hange on to one tower.
If the phone is all ready activated *228 option 1 will NOT work, this is to activate phones only. Option 2 is what you want to select to update roaming. On BlackBerrys you can not do the *22899! that will only work with regular phones. I can not activate new Berrys using that anyway it just won't go through. Did you have a regular phone before the reception issues? Smart phones and pda's will not get the same reception as regular phones...on average anyway
If the phone is all ready activated *228 option 1 will NOT work, this is to activate phones only. Option 2 is what you want to select to update roaming. On BlackBerrys you can not do the *22899! that will only work with regular phones. I can not activate new Berrys using that anyway it just won't go through. Did you have a regular phone before the reception issues? Smart phones and pda's will not get the same reception as regular phones...on average anyway
*22899 works perfectly on BlackBerries. I just did it, and upgraded my PRL. My previous PRL was 51143. It is now 51242. Please don't post confusing misinformation.
*22899 works perfectly on BlackBerries. I just did it, and upgraded my PRL. My previous PRL was 51143. It is now 51242. Please don't post confusing misinformation.
Worked for me as well.
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com
It's not Verizon-specific, but you've just proven it doesn't work with all-CDMA carriers. Unless another Bell user knows, the easiest way is probably to call customer service and as them how to refresh your PRL. Then post it here so we'll all know. It won't be a company secret.
