turning off 3G on 3UK network

[joeblack316]

Hi guys,

Im trying to prolong my battery life for my n95 and have seen in various forums that by turning off 3G and switching to GSM (dualband) will greatly improve its life. Also 3G in my area seems to be very flakey! I can usually talk for a couple minutes before being disconnected or loosing the person on the other end for a couple seconds (it gets really fustrating)! Trying to conduct a phone interview like this will not yield good results! I can only assume during these periods of lost connectivity the phone is switching from 3G to GSM?

I am with 3UK and do not have the option to swap to GSM mode (Settings > Phone > Network > Network Mode).

All i have is:
Network > Operator Selection (manual or auto)
and Network > Cell Info Display (which doesn't work on 3)

Does anyone know a work around for this? Or am I (as a 3UK customer) doomed to having rubbish service and constantly having my N95 switch between 3G and GSM/Roaming modes? Not to mention stucking the life out of my battery!

Any help here would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[maltloaf]

on mine its in settings > phone > network > network mode

change it from dual mode to gsm only

if its not there because of the branding/firmware then consider debranding and upgrading

(i'm also on three uk but with good 3g coverage)

[Homer]

Since 3 don't have any GSM coverage (they use either Orange or O2's network for GSM), they obviously don't like you to switch to GSM only.

Debranding might work, obviously you may invalidate your warranty.

[Gaz]

3 completely removed the menu for this unfortunately for you

[joeblack316]

thanks for your replies guys!

i really dont mind about loosing the warrenty. it would just really be nice to increase the battery life and not get disconnected all the time when i make/receive calls.

But... by debranding and getting the option to change to GSM mode will I be charged for using these other networks? (I am on a monthly contract which includes a loads of free minutes). My fear is, if i debrand and change my network from 3G to GSM, i will not be entitled to my free minutes when i make calls. Can anyone confirm this?

Thanks!

[maltloaf]

your allowances will still be the same, you are still connected to three's network but using orange's as a piggyback when in gsm only areas. Your texts/ net / calls allowances will still be the same

[Homer]

Originally Posted by joeblack316

But... by debranding and getting the option to change to GSM mode will I be charged for using these other networks? (I am on a monthly contract which includes a loads of free minutes). My fear is, if i debrand and change my network from 3G to GSM, i will not be entitled to my free minutes when i make calls. Can anyone confirm this?

You won't be charged as use of the Orange network for GSM is part of the deal.

BUT!!!

3 might be able to tell you've used GSM in an area they have good 3G coverage, if they do then they might not be happy.

Also, until recently at least, 3 did not allow unbranded phones to use their network at all, though this was done by IMEI so as your IMEI is already registered with 3 this probably won't be an issue.

[glimpsofreality]

guys i have found the answer its just by chance and totally by luck, if you debrand your mobile and then you can change your 3G to GSM on 3UK network

cheers

[8giga]

Originally Posted by glimpsofreality

guys i have found the answer its just by chance and totally by luck, if you debrand your mobile and then you can change your 3G to GSM on 3UK network

cheers

Isnt that has been just said and explained in the thread????????

[Mr G]

It was mate.