My old sim on android doesn't go the 3G way.. only shows H instead of E(2G)

dabster

In the zone
I recently activated a 3G plan on phone and also activated 3G before getting the plan.. Now mobile network connected shows as H(i guess hspa) instead of E(edge) it used to show previously when I used a 2G data plan. Since I have activited 3G I should be getting 3G logo for data connection in android notification bar - But that isn't happening. and yes speed isn't any great either - used it on laptop using tethering.

Talked to customer care of Vodafone they say that it is mostly with sim card - that it needs to be changed since its a 5 year old sim - it might be too old to support 3G.
Can this really be the case ? or its just ways of Vodafone Customer care for not resolving the issue. Anybody had similar issue. are folks getting the 3G sign on vodafone network ?

Thanks,
 

sumonpathak

knocking on heavens door
well...if its an old sim u need to replace it..so they are not lying :)

edit:epic typo...
 
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rajnusker

Sage of the Six Paths
^ Sure I din't understand it! :)

Simple enough question - are 3G Sim different?

No, my 5 years Aircel and 7 years Airtel works just fine with 3G network. But if your operator says you need a change, then please do change the sim.
 

d6bmg

BMG ftw!!
Old SIM cards are of 32K or 64K strength. Whereas 3G SIM cards are of 128K strength. Quality of signal receiving is better. Signal switching time is lesser.
 

rajnusker

Sage of the Six Paths
Old SIM cards are of 32K or 64K strength. Whereas 3G SIM cards are of 128K strength. Quality of signal receiving is better. Signal switching time is lesser.

I recently bought a Aircel 3G sim with a 32K strength mark. Never noticed any difference between the new and the 5 year old one.
 

RCuber

The Mighty Unkel!!!
Staff member
have you checked if you phone network is on WCDMA ?

you can do that Settings> Wireless and Network > Mobile Network > Network Mode > WCDMA only.
 

clmlbx

Technomancer
well for first if you change sim then it just cost 20 bucks max.. and you will get new 64kb sim so you can store more contacts..

also do ask to customer care does 3G exist in your area..
 

pramudit

Gaming hardcore
H is shown when you connect to internet via HSPA network and 3g is shown when hspa is not available on wcdma network. you dont need to change sim as you are connected to 3g. just check your speed, should be >1mbps when connected to H (hspa)...
 
OP
D

dabster

In the zone
Old SIM cards are of 32K or 64K strength. Whereas 3G SIM cards are of 128K strength. Quality of signal receiving is better. Signal switching time is lesser.

Yes this looks to be the case. Went vodafone store and i had problem with signal/network switching delays also - my phone used to become unreachable. Got a new sim. I don't know really on 64k or 128k strength - How to figure that ?

You must be not getting good 3g signal. H means hspa or 3.5g

So wch is faster 3G or HSDPA ? forums/google seem to be divided on this. Technically H means that you are on 3G. reason for change of sim option was because of slow switching i could see on my phone. (between 2G and 3G signals)
 
OP
D

dabster

In the zone
have you checked if you phone network is on WCDMA ?

you can do that Settings> Wireless and Network > Mobile Network > Network Mode > WCDMA only.

@rcuber: this is the first thing that I had tried. Actually my phone has option - 2G only - 3G only - 2G/3G(3G preferred). I was on 3G only mode.
Further i checked with *#*#4636#*#* option on android and it showed /wcdma only/ being selected there.

@OP .. did you try what I posted?

Yes, Just replied on that.
 
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