3g indicator on Nexus 4 using TMo affiliate?

[mmtowns]

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?

 

[gone down south]

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.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

 

[pugnuttt]

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

 

[gone down south]

Edge

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

 

[mmtowns]

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.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

 

[minnemike]

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.

 

[djkleric]

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.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

What app is that?

 

[mmtowns]

What app is that?

Network Monitor Lite.

https://forums.androidcentral.com/e...re/apps/details?id=msd.n2g.n3g&token=ubyncDtq


Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

 

[nijel]

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

 

[Nonymous666]

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

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.

 

[awnry]

I'm having this issue with an unlocked phone and iWireless. It only shows an E (for EDGE connection) any ideas on how to get it to go 3G/4G?

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.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Android Central Forums

 

[RumoredNow]

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

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.

Add another observer for this phenomena... I was going a bit bonkers trying to figure out where my H went all the time and had just came to the same conclusion as the two posters I quoted. N4 idles in 3G for voice and ramps up to H+ for data use.