On my Touch Pro 2, if I want to lock to WCDMA only, I have to execute the following steps..
start/settings/communications/phone/[network tab]Select "GSM/UMTS Only"/[GSM/UMTS Services tab] Band/Get Settings button/ then..
Select Your Network type and from the drop down select WCDMA.
Even switching to CDMA only mode requires a lot of steps.
Whew! That's a lot. I tried to write a little program to do this in C# for windows mobile, but I got stuck because the RIL interface has no op select mode for WCDMA. (Unless it's undocumented...)
Is it possible to have a "one touch solution" for all my bands in some sort of script so I don't have to navigate that ridiculous menu? Or does someone have a programmatic way to do this?
I just play with my S3 I747 and find out how to temporaly remove RAT restriction.
Click phone then punch code : *#197328640# ->Umts->Debag Screen->Phone Control->Network Lock->Rat_Free_Supporting ON
After you click this you see " Now RAT Free Supporting". Click back button and try setting radio by pressing *#2263#.
RTA will lock back after restarting.
could you explain what "RAT restriction" is and what removing it will provide?
kirkgbr said:
could you explain what "RAT restriction" is and what removing it will provide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is a thread that talks about RAT restrictions. It appears to have to do with restricting access to certain bands, but I am swimming in waters that are deeper than my skills will allow.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1189241
norbarb said:
I just play with my S3 I747 and find out how to temporaly remove RAT restriction.
Click phone then punch code : *#197328640# ->Units->Debag Screen->Phone Control->Network Lock->Rat_Free_Supporting ON
After you click this you see " Now RAT Free Supporting". Click back button and try setting radio by pressing *#2263#.
RTA will lock back after restarting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I gonna do a run for this later today to see if it will actually work for allowing band selection and sticking.
It seemed to work for me, but it's only been a couple of minutes so far after turning off LTE. BTW, the first menu is "UMTS", not "Units".
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Any suggestions on how to make these changes permanent without rooting?
Since there is now a known code to lift restrictions until reboot, I hope some dev will figure out a way on stock based roms (both stock and mods), as well as AOSP based, to make it permanent. I have tried AOKP and CM10 in hopes the LTE and 2G toggles would work but no dice with AT&T SGS3.
Anonymously_Unknown said:
Any suggestions on how to make these changes permanent without rooting?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Given the issue at hand, it is most likely a deeply embedded setting that will not be available to standard user base (non rooted), henceforth root access or even on a programming level will be needed to make the necessary changes. How the changes will be made available, if it is done, will depend on what was needed to make it permanent. This raises the question of where is this restriction coded into the AT&T SGS3. Is it firmware, ROM, SIM related, Radio? Seriously doubt it is hardware itself since there are ways to get around the restriction.
larryka said:
It seemed to work for me, but it's only been a couple of minutes so far after turning off LTE. BTW, the first menu is "UMTS", not "Units".
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes you are corect. I make correction in OP.
Testing RAT unlock now.
norbarb said:
I just play with my S3 I747 and find out how to temporaly remove RAT restriction.
Click phone then punch code : *#197328640# ->Umts->Debag Screen->Phone Control->Network Lock->Rat_Free_Supporting ON
After you click this you see " Now RAT Free Supporting". Click back button and try setting radio by pressing *#2263#.
RTA will lock back after restarting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Testing this method now. So far I am running on 2G. I will give it at least a couple of hours and will update this post accordingly.
Update: I was messing around and decided to save this USSD (the official name of these secret dialer codes) in my contacts. From dialer you can start pressing *#1 and when it appears just press it. This gives quick access should you need to change radios often. I also want to add that instead of going back into *#2263# you can also select the band from *#197328640#. If you want to change it immediately, then once you get the confirmation "Now RAT Free Supporting" press the menu key on the left of the Home button. Select back and repeat again to go back again. Then, instead of choosing Network Lock choose Network Control-->Band Selection. This takes you to the same menu that *#2263# does and you can select accordingly.
@norbarb...perhaps you can update your OP to reflect that you can stay within the original selection instead of *#2263# and just go back twice to access the band selection. It is just one more way of doing things.
I also did the test of rebooting my phone. As mentioned by norbarb, if you have rebooted the RAT restriction is back in place. Regardless of which option you take to the band selection it will show RAT restriction until you follow the OPs steps again to remove restriction. Have not found a way for permanent removal of the restriction yet (I am optimistic and really want this permanent so I will look very hard to find a solution.). Also when I rebooted I had GSM 2G only selected prior and I kept the option upon reboot so only the RAT restriction is reset...not the network band settings.
Update 2: After 4 hours I am still on 2G Edge. I am in a very good LTE location so this is definitely the most promising outlook. I have found that I despite my love for the look of AOSP roms, the inability to turn on 2G at all will keep me with TW for now. Thankfully I do not mind the look of TW and with root, I can kill the Bloatware. I will look at all of the options in the *#197328640# menus and see if there is anything that may can be applied for permanent access. I also wonder if the secret to overriding the lack of options for network choices in *#*#4636#*#* will be here as well as this would more preferable to shut down LTE only.
aybarrap1 said:
I also did the test of rebooting my phone. As mentioned by norbarb, if you have rebooted the RAT restriction is back in place. Regardless of which option you take to the band selection it will show RAT restriction until you follow the OPs steps again to remove restriction. Have not found a way for permanent removal of the restriction yet (I am optimistic and really want this permanent so I will look very hard to find a solution.). Also when I rebooted I had GSM 2G only selected prior and I kept the option upon reboot so only the RAT restriction is reset...not the network band settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
Isn't the problem with doing this, say if you disable LTE and only select HSPA, it wont go to any 2G networks if you are out of coverage. Because its not on 'automatic', its on HSPA. So if you are out of a service zone of HSPA, then you dont have anything to fall back to.
If only there was a way to disable LTE, and use the other networks 'automatically'.
geoldr said:
Isn't the problem with doing this, say if you disable LTE and only select HSPA, it wont go to any 2G networks if you are out of coverage. Because its not on 'automatic', its on HSPA. So if you are out of a service zone of HSPA, then you dont have anything to fall back to.
If only there was a way to disable LTE, and use the other networks 'automatically'.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is the problem. However, AT&T in their infinite focus on trying to force users to their networks of choice has purposely had the ability to do network selections disabled. Under normal circumstances in android devices the option of network selection is under settings and mobile networks option. This is removed I am sure at AT&T's request. The other way to access this is to use USSD *#*#4636#*#* in dialer and select "Device Information" which will give you an option to choose a network preference. While the USSD works the option to select network preference does not work.
At least with the option to unlock RAT and using USSD *#2263#, it gives some sort of ability to choose a network. For me this is perfect since I want the 2G only due to poor 3G and LTE signals at work. However you are right that it is not convenient if you just want LTE off. For the moment there is no known way to obtain this option on the AT&T SGS3.
aybarrap1 said:
That is the problem. However, AT&T in their infinite focus on trying to force users to their networks of choice has purposely had the ability to do network selections disabled. Under normal circumstances in android devices the option of network selection is under settings and mobile networks option. This is removed I am sure at AT&T's request. The other way to access this is to use USSD *#*#4636#*#* in dialer and select "Device Information" which will give you an option to choose a network preference. While the USSD works the option to select network preference does not work.
At least with the option to unlock RAT and using USSD *#2263#, it gives some sort of ability to choose a network. For me this is perfect since I want the 2G only due to poor 3G and LTE signals at work. However you are right that it is not convenient if you just want LTE off. For the moment there is no known way to obtain this option on the AT&T SGS3.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep. I also think it's something to do with AT&T network setup. Because on AOSP ROM's we can't toggle LTE either. But the same ROM on a Canadian model phone will work just fine.
Even though the iphone has an LTE toggle. At least I read somewhere that it does.
geoldr said:
Yep. I also think it's something to do with AT&T network setup. Because on AOSP ROM's we can't toggle LTE either. But the same ROM on a Canadian model phone will work just fine.
Even though the iphone has an LTE toggle. At least I read somewhere that it does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has nothing to do with the network setup...it is the carrier forcing restrictions on their customers. I have had three other android phones (including my wifes) in the last three years. All of them were restricted from choosing the network from stock rom. The moment I uploaded a ROM such as CM or other AOSP Roms I was magically able to do a network select. I even had to Windows phones (6.1 and 6.5) and both of them were stripped but with some registry edits I was able to add the option back to select between 3G/2G and 2g only. It is AT&T's way and they are notorious for it.
On a side note, I would not be surprised if AT&T is the primary corporate network that pushed for this network SIM lock ruling by the Congressional Librarian. Of all the carriers they have the most to lose.
If you want to select multiple bands and still turn lte off..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=37334232
Galaxy S III I747
fmllc said:
If you want to select multiple bands and still turn lte off..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=37334232
Galaxy S III I747
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have been testing this for the last 4 hours and it does seem to work. Went to 2g only area and it switched perfectly to 2G and reverted back to 3g when I left the area. However I am not able to do GSM ONLY (2G only) using this method. You will have to follow the instructions on this thread for that.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
Click back button and try setting radio by pressing *#2263#.
norbarb said:
I just play with my S3 I747 and find out how to temporaly remove RAT restriction.
Click phone then punch code : *#197328640# ->Umts->Debag Screen->Phone Control->Network Lock->Rat_Free_Supporting ON
After you click this you see " Now RAT Free Supporting". Click back button and try setting radio by pressing *#2263#.
RTA will lock back after restarting.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How to set radio by pressing *#2263#?
And what is RTA will lock back after restarting?
So what is the benefit of the ability to change bands?
OKAstro said:
So what is the benefit of the ability to change bands?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It could result in battery savings and reduced dropped calls. For instance, I am often in and out of areas with little to no bandwidths under LTE. At default, my phone would always looking for an LTE signal which means my battery takes a pounding. By having my phone only look for 2G/3G, I do not take as large of a battery hit. Besides that, LTE does consume more power. For the most part I leave my phone with LTE off because the data speed is not crucial for me. At home I have a really fast WiFi network so it is better to be on it anyway while at home.
aybarrap1 said:
It could result in battery savings and reduced dropped calls. For instance, I am often in and out of areas with little to no bandwidths under LTE. At default, my phone would always looking for an LTE signal which means my battery takes a pounding. By having my phone only look for 2G/3G, I do not take as large of a battery hit. Besides that, LTE does consume more power. For the most part I leave my phone with LTE off because the data speed is not crucial for me. At home I have a really fast WiFi network so it is better to be on it anyway while at home.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK Thanks. But under Settings/More Networks/Mobile Networks/Network Mode there are 13 "band" combination choices. Do those choices not provide what you''re looking for (i.e.2G/3G)?
I've never changed mine, so I'm curious
Sometimes the phone jump to 2G (EDGE) for no reason while HSPA and LTE work perfectly.
Here is the solution (and it will stay after power cycle):
Dial *#*#4636#*#*
Phone Information
Scroll down to network mode and choose "LTE/WCDMA"
Reboot the phone immediately.
This method works for me.
Almost, its *#*#4636#*#*
Trying to do this on my D855 international G3, on lollipop, but can't get into the phone information .
*#*#4636#*#* works, but when I click on Phone Information, an error is given 'note this application does not work on this device' . I suspect a changed lollipop radio/Rom thing.
Any idea on how to achieve this another way?
jimbobmcginty said:
Trying to do this on my D855 international G3, on lollipop, but can't get into the phone information .
*#*#4636#*#* works, but when I click on Phone Information, an error is given 'note this application does not work on this device' . I suspect a changed lollipop radio/Rom thing.
Any idea on how to achieve this another way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you manage to fix it?
is there a solution for this on asop (euphoria 7/06)?.... after a call it goes to 2g and it "never" switches back to lte
New method:
Dial 277634#*# and you can get in Hidden Menu -> RAT Selection.
Typing 3856#*855# into the dialer allowed be in, then choose LTE, then RAT options.
Using the G3 D850 (AT&T) for t-mobile but it rarely conects to 4G LTE, it's usually on 2G, tried doing the above, with the *#*#4636#*#* code came up a error that I can't access that app, and in the hidden menu I couldnt find where/how to set WCDMA or LTE only, any new way to do this?
Qwerty when in hidden menu choose LTE-ONLY > then >modem setting> then > rat selection works on my g3
How I can switch my Fire Phone to 3G Only Band? Some App or somthing? Who help? :what:
Go to the dialer, enter *#*#4636#*#* and tap "Phone Information". On the next screen, you can select 'WCDMA preferred' from the drop-down menu. However, I'm not sure if the phone will automatically reset itself back after a restart or whatnot.
Yes. I discovery that. Its simple and easy. Now for me, a very good phone.
Is there anyway to turn off 3G ? for use 2G GSM only mode , I want to use EDGE option since my area has the weak 3G signal.
ease_the_pain said:
Is there anyway to turn off 3G ? for use 2G GSM only mode , I want to use EDGE option since my area has the weak 3G signal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You follow the same steps I gave in my previous post. Instead of selecting WCDMA preferred, you select GSM only in the drop-down menu.
ged92781 said:
You follow the same steps I gave in my previous post. Instead of selecting WCDMA preferred, you select GSM only in the drop-down menu.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you it works great without reset the phone.
And easier and lazier way is to install the app "Phone testing", it is the shortcut to the same menu. On Motorola phone the app is required because that dialer combination doesn't work.
Is there any way we can force cellular network to be 4G LTE only? I want to stop it from automatically switching to H+.
I'm on stock nougat, rooted.
I think you can change it in the hidden service menu. BUT be VERY CAREFUL not to change other things in there.
First make sure your preferred network type is LTE auto, not 3g or 2g only.
Next, go to phone / dialer app.
Enter: *#*#4636#*#*
It should automatically direct to Testing menu, with Phone information, Usage statistics, and Wi-Fi information choice.
Select "Phone information".
Warning: There's many things to see here, but you can easily ruin your radio band in here. Just follow this guide and do not even touch other things.
Go to "set preferred network type"
I'm not sure what it would show for your phone, but for mine it shows "LTE/UMTS auto (PRL)".
Select "LTE only". It should immediately reset your network to 4G.
If it still switches to 3G, then test other options in the "set preferred network type" option.
After finish, exit the hidden menu and clear it from recent apps menu.
Warning: DO NOT CHANGE OTHER VALUES IN THERE IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING. IT COULD RUIN YOUR RADIO BAND IF YOU'RE NOT CAREFUL.
Thanks. It worked.