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< Esato Forum Index > Sony Ericsson / Sony > Symbian phones > Help requested - U.S. Cingular (was AT&T) best settings - Bar envy Bookmark topic

Anyone,

I have a p900 unlocked using Cingular (was AT&T One Rate) as my provider.

I have a hunch my phone isn't searching correctly for the best antenna. So my question is what is the best setting for my P900.

When I go to Control Panel->GSM Network, my setting is: automatic.

Is this correct for best general searching?

My wife also has a simpler Sony Ericsson phone (not sure the model and it isn't easy to tell) and the same AT&T plan. But as we were driving I had no signal, while she commonly had 4 or 5 bars. This was in the northeast area of Massachusetts. Her setting is Automatic. What gives?

Thanks,
Paul T

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Posted: 2005-03-07 02:59:45
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It is because Cingular uses 850/1900mhz. It overlays both bands. But it is heavily expanding the 850 band. Your P900 has 900/1800/1900 band. So my guess is in this particular area your wife's phone uses the 850 band, you do not have and the 1900 is not present.
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Posted: 2005-03-07 04:12:48
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That would be my guess as well. I've had similar experiences with my brother. I had a phone that had the 850 band and got good reception on Staten Island, whereas his phone had the 900 band and got no reception.

In some instances you should be able to roam onto T-Mobile's network if they have 1900 there and Cingular doesn't.
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Posted: 2005-03-07 05:58:07
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THANKS guys! That would explain it. (So the "automatic" setting is the correct one for best reception?)

But this is rather dissappointing. It seems my phone technology is out of sync with my carriers. Bad news for me.

So does anyone know: is the 850 band (in the US where I mostly use my phone) preferred to the 900 band? Is there hope my coverage will get better? Any options?

Is the P910 the same way (since it would be my natural choice for an upgrade)?

THANKS again!
Paul T



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Posted: 2005-03-07 14:50:07
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The p910 is much better for reception since it uses the 850 band instead of the 900. I had the same problem with my p900, having to "stand up" while on the phone in my office. It was kind of annoying. As soon as I got my p910, it all went away.


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Posted: 2005-03-07 15:50:46
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only the P910a has the 850 band, so be sure to get that one.

I have it and I love it.
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Posted: 2005-03-07 20:42:12
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Thanks. So is it fair to say in general (or at least for AT&T/Cingular in the US), the 850 band is preferable to the 900 band?

Does anyone know about Ireland and India (the two other countries I tend to visit the most).

THANKS again,
Paul T
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Posted: 2005-03-09 23:28:52
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