Blackberry - sending me over the EDGE !

magpieant

magpieant

Messages
2,043
Edit My Images
No
Hi folks.

I have a (possibly simple) question which is driving me mad!

Just got a Blackberry 8210 Curve from a friend.

I have successfully unlocked it.

Currently, I can use it on my existing Virgin Mobile contract. I have successfully set it up for calls, texts and browsing the web.

However, my problem is regarding the connection speed.

At the moment, the only connection type it is displaying is gprs (small letters). I know it should be able to receive data at EDGE speed, but won't.

At first I thought it might be my signal strength - but now doubt that.

I have tried contacting Virgin today, but ... "Their systems are down until Tuesday" ... so they can't do anything.

Just wondering if any Blackberry users know any settings or switches I need to adjust to reach EDGE speed.

Not bothered about utsing any of the Blackberry messenger stuff or anything like that - basically use the web to read football and news headlines ... just want it a bit faster, that's all!!!!

Cheers

Anth.
 
I can't vouch for the Blackberry but my Nokia 5800 will transfer data at EDGE speed. On my phone however there is no option to select it, it just occasionally goes onto EDGE periodically but more often than not transfers at 3.5G.

I don't know if the blackberry will operate on the same principle or not.
 
Hi stupar.

The Blackberry I am using does not have 3G - (it's an older one).

Mainly wondering if the gprs rather than EDGE speed is down to signal strength or me not configuring something.

Does your nokia flick to EDGE when the signal is not as good ?

Anth
 
The EDGE setting from my understanding is down to signal strength only on blackberrys (I've used 8900 curves). If it can't get EDGE due to a weak signal it fails back to slower speeds.
 
Cheers.

Can anyone clarify the order of the speeds ?

I always throught it was something like gprs - GSM - EDGE . Seems odd though as today I have had full strength (In Altrincham and Chester - so not just one area) - but the data thing has not changed from gprs.

Anth
 
OK, here is a clarification for you - your SIM card is not fully enabled for Data - This is indicated by the lower case lettering.

You need to call your provided and ask them to activate the BB services and 3G (hopeing its a 3G sim) on the SIM card. This will switch the lettering to upper case after about 30 minutes and then this should allow you to grab faster speeds.


The order of connection is: GSM > GPRS > EDGE > 3G > Wifi (if connected to a router)

The other issue is your location - if your not close enough to a mast to recieve the fast data then you will not get EDGE.

(all of the above is with experience with the Vodafone network and BB's in work - apologies if your provider is different)
 
Righty, thanks lads ...

Gazedd .... I am not too bothered about using any of the Blackberry Internet services (and think my provider, Virgin, charge for that anyway). Also, would I need my sim card to be 3g activated if the Blackberry I am using can't get 3G?

Sorry if this sounds daft - mobile internet is all pretty new to me !!

If it helps, I basically have a contract with virgin mobile - various mins, unlimited texts and unlimited internet. Don't want to change that contract or pay any more, but you think that they could update my sim to allow me to get faster speeds ???

Cheers in advance!

Anth
 
Nope - mobile internet works that you will get the top data connection available. You don't pay to get upgrades in speed like your home broadband.

Just give virgin a call and ask why you are only getting GPRS. It could possibly be that you just need a new sim card (free) if you have had that one for a while?
 
That could stand to reason ..... I have had this sim card for a fair few years now.

So new sim card sounds likely ..... will there be an interruption to my mobile service whilst they processed a new one, if i ordered one ?

Anth
 
Nupe- order the new one, they send it out and your old will deactivate as soon as you register the new one (over phone when it arrives) and they have processed it. Sometimes they warn that it will take up to 24 hours but usually takes a few mins - your old one will remain working and simply lose signal completely - when this happens you just stick in new one. Should be zero downtime.
 
Excellent - will phone Virgin once their systems are back up (next 48 hours apparently !!!). So (just to clarify), I explain I am only achieving gprs and just ask for a new sim card capable of EDGE and 3g speeds ?

Anth.
 
I would simply say that you have received a new handset and that when accessing internet service's your speed looks to be slow. You believe your SIM card is old and might not have the 3G service's available. Could they please check and send out a new SIM card if there does appear to be an old SIM card in your possession.
 
Cheers gazeedd - will try that.

Just an afterthought - a friend mentioned doing something by registering a HOST ROUTING TABLE ?????? Would that make any difference?

Tried to register it, but as yet had no message back.

Not really sure what that is or if it will make a difference.

Sim card idea sounds easier ;)

Anth
 
UPDATE.

Phoned Virgin today.

Was informed there is nothing they can do for me unless I take out a blackberry contract with them providing the handset - which I'm not doing!

Also heard from another forum that Virgin don't actually do EDGE speed !

Oh well, will stick with gprs - once I have switched loading images off, it's not actually all that bad!!!

Cheers

Anth.
 
magpieant said:
UPDATE.

Phoned Virgin today.

Was informed there is nothing they can do for me unless I take out a blackberry contract with them providing the handset - which I'm not doing!

Also heard from another forum that Virgin don't actually do EDGE speed !

Oh well, will stick with gprs - once I have switched loading images off, it's not actually all that bad!!!

Cheers

Anth.
Click to expand...

time to move provider's :D
 
why should it matter whether you have a blackberry, strawberry loganberry or whatever, all you want is a 3G enabled sim card, you don't want the other stuff that having a blackberry provides (push etc.) after all if your using the data servicing through virgin they;ll be getting more cash off of you anyway.


As said, its time to shift providers
 
Hmmm ... the thing is, although I'm not getting anything faster than gprs, as a provider, I am on a cracking deal with Virgin. I get 300mins, unlimited texts, unlimited (slow) internet, free calls to other virgin mobiles (the wife!) and free calls from our home phone to virgin mobiles too. I pay £10 per month for this on a 30 day rolling contract.

I looked around and couldn't see ANYTHING that could touch this price.

If anyone knows of a contract, I'd be willing to listen. Failing that, I will stay on (what I consider) to be a decent deal, albeit with my slower mobile connection!!!

Cheers

Anth.

PS - loving the blackberry by the way!
 
Yep that really is a kick ass tariff if your OH is on it to call.

Can't see anyone getting near that - especially with free data.

If you are happy with the speed then it is all good. Can't remember if that crapberry has wifi?
 
Awww noooo. Could be a worthy upgrade if you can find one at a good price - use the emails when at home/work on wifi and then just rely on gprs when out and about?

=best of both worlds?
 
Funnily enough - it was an ad on these forums that got me one in the first place. A lad was selling one. I asked my mate (who has one) what they were like, he showed me his ;) and said he had an older one to sell .... i got involved !!!

Happy days

Anth
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top