3g indicator on Nexus 4 using TMo affiliate?

A little bit of context: I previously had an Android (CDMA) phone on a Sprint prepaid carrier. I was used to seeing the "3G" indicator and in rural locations a "1x" indicator.

Yesterday, I received a Nexus 4, installed an iWireless (TMo affiliate) microsim. From what I understand, pink data on their coverage map indicates 4G HSPA, dark green indicates 3G and light green is Edge. I live and work in dark green areas, however my N4 consistently indicates Edge "E" service. SpeedTest indicates ~120k/sec download speeds. When I drive to a nearby city here in Iowa with pink coverage, service changes to "H" and download speeds of 4-5mb/sec.

My question for those of you who use your N4 with TMo or TMo MVNOs - does your phone ever indicate "3G" coverage or is it standard to go from "E" to "H" without anything in between?

It seems to depend on the carrier and the location. On Tmobile in the Bay Area my phone goes from E to H, but in other parts of the country report seeing 3G on there at the same speeds that show as E for me.

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What is "E"? I always have either 3G or H.

Edge

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I am visiting Ankeny, IA and noticed my N4 says I am on T-Mobile (previously said I was on I wireless, which is my current carrier). Indicator says "R" and a radio app says I am going back and forth between 3g and 4g.

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When I first got my phone, here at home, I would get E and then jump to H when doing something intensive. Now I get 3G as a base speed and it jumps to H. Not sure if that is a network thing or a phone upgrade thing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mmtowns [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

I am visiting Ankeny, IA and noticed my N4 says I am on T-Mobile (previously said I was on I wireless, which is my current carrier). Indicator says "R" and a radio app says I am going back and forth between 3g and 4g.

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What app is that?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by djkleric [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

What app is that?

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Network Monitor Lite.

[Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]


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I get 3G if data not in use and jumps immediately to H+ when data download/upload starts (6-12mbps in my area).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by nijel [Only registered and activated users can see links. Click Here To Register...]

I get 3G if data not in use and jumps immediately to H+ when data download/upload starts (6-12mbps in my area).

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This.

When I was on TMO, it would show 3G when idle but then kick in to H whenever I did something that needed data.