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Bionic Cannot Hold Data Connection

I currently have the Bionic, which was a replacement for my HTC Thunderbolt. The reason I was fed up with the Thunderbolt is because it would not hold a data connection. Whether it was in CDMA/LTE or just CDMA mode, it would constantly drop the signal and I'd have to either try airplane more or restart the phone to get the signal back. This happened in areas of very strong reception, not a fringe effect.

Fast forward to the Bionic... it does the exact same thing and it could not be more frustrating!!! For instance, I spent 10 minutes today trying to get the darn thing to latch on to a data signal (despite having 5 bars). Airplane more, restart phone, force into CDMA only, nothing worked. I've tried all the usual tricks such as resetting phone to factory settings, running it with no downloaded apps, etc.

Does anyone know a solution to this? Do ANY of the 4G phones work properly?

Comments

LOUcifer

I currently have a BIONIC and I have been in 3G for the past 2 days. When I restart the phone the 4G LTE displays on the phone with full signal strength but no data transmits or receives. It then switches to 3G and stays there in 3G regardless of Airplane mode or anything else I try.

I'm in Tampa FL where 4G LTE coverage is phenomenal... chalk this up to a 4G outage...of course nobody will ever admit to that...not even the VZW store I called that told me I should do a master reset on the phone...LOLOLOL

jracanelli

I am having the same problem where my Droid Bionic won't hold a data connection. Also, the phone will occasionaly freeze with the screen off and the only way I can turn it back on is if I remove and replace the battery.

ajnevares1

My Bionic could never keep a connection as well, which is why I eventually tossed it. After reading several boards about this, it seems some 4G devices work, just depends where you are. I had luck more in Cali and NV then AZ, just read about someone else dropping data all the time in IL, but not in Las Vegas.

JoeL_VZW

Thank you to the community for your replies.

Weatherguy86 I hate to hear your having problems with your Bionic. I understand the need for a good data connection. Thank you for all the troubleshooting you have already done.

I have good news! There is a software update that is coming out for the Bionic. Here's a link that shows the software benefits as well as how to search for the update.

The software update will address the data connection issues that some users have been experiencing.

Thank you for your patience

weatherguy86

The update has helped, but it has by no means fixed the problem. The phone STILL has issues holding a data signal. I hope your software and network engineers are aware of this and don't think that the problem was completely fixed.

VEN

Motorola only said it IMPROVES the data connection with the update, not FIX it. Obviously, they know it cannot be fixed either because of their hardware or because of VZ network issue with 4G LTE. Either way, both companies joined hands to fool customers and make some money.

w1ntermute0

I have the same issue. My Bionic would loose the data connection both before and after the recent update. I guess maybe it's a tiny bit better now, but still not acceptable. The whole reason I pay all this money for a smart phone with a data plan is so that I can quickly pull the phone out of my pocket and look something up, like an address, or find a nearby restaurant, or current movie listings. If it takes 15 minutes of switching in and out of airplane mode, reboot, etc.. then it's pretty much a waste.. Sure, 5 years ago this would be the most amazing thing since sliced bread even with an intermittent connection, but now that almost all phones on the market can maintain a data connection, it makes this one seem completely defective Verizon should fix this problem right away or give customers their money back or a trade for a new phone that works properly.

Doc832

Just wanted to post this for those that have not seen the article or VZW response.

http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/12/19/this-is-why-your-verizon-galaxy-nexus-or-other-4g-lte-vzw-phone-is-losing-data-signal

This explains why even the NEW and POWERFUL Nexus has issues. Its VZWs attempt to move faster than their technology will allow.

Enjoy.

BTW, post up grade my phone is working better, my wifes is worse...Who knew.

grichl

I find it fairly upsetting that the new update didn't completely address the issue. Sure, my phone seems to work better when I switch to airplane mode (pre-update this didn't work well) and then switch back, but at the moment it's decided to not work at all. Currently, I simply have no data connection (very early morning is usually the worst), and I really hope that it's because Verizon is trying to standardize things during non-peak hours. I could understand that, but anything short of that seems like a waste of time.

I've only had an issue with the data connection and the apps on the SD card not being recognized. I might be able to live without consistent data and apps on my SD card, but I shouldn't have to. While I doubt Verizon or Motorola would willingly recall these phones, or issue free replacements, I think they might have to at some point. It'd be nice if they at least released an official explanation or acknowledged these issues more openly.

It's a truly sad day when AT&T users get better and faster connection than me considering the dearth of technology they seem to run their network on.

DroidAdam

The OTA update has made my data connection more unreliable.

Now there is an undeclared "outage" that has spread from east to west. I like the term 4G-beta, seems very appropriate considering Verizon was adimant quite a few years ago about not liking GSM and now they are "experimenting" with the technology because CDMA is incapable of producing 4G speeds. Maybe it's ignorance or maybe a lack of understanding the technology they are pushing to keep up with their GSM competitors and marketing LTE. Either way, there needs to be some communication to us customers. I have had a smartphone for the past seven years and this is the worst data coverage I have ever experienced.

I like how Joel_VZW chimes in months later to tell us about an OTA that addresses an issue that Verizon has yet to address publicly. @Joel_VZW, any new information you have would be great. If not Joel, anyone from Verizon? I'll go check their job openenings and see if I can get inside the company...

Sympha

Seriously. The latest "system update" actually ruined the spotty-but-bearable coverage that I already had. Now I can't even get on 3G on this $300 phone.

BionicIsABrick

I think that we all need to face the fact that Verizon has no fix for this issue and continues to collect our money for a device and service plan that does not work as sold. I know it's business but it's hard not to be bitter when these connectivity issues are continuously causing me problems at work because I am not able to receive or send important emails. It's even more frustrating when you go to the Verizon retail store and they act like you don't know what you are talking about when you tell them about your issues, that it must be your fault.

I used to give my friends on AT&T a hard time for their Iphone network issues, but this is worse.

LOUcifer

weatherguy86 wrote:
I currently have the Bionic, which was a replacement for my HTC Thunderbolt. The reason I was fed up with the Thunderbolt is because it would not hold a data connection. Whether it was in CDMA/LTE or just CDMA mode, it would constantly drop the signal and I'd have to either try airplane more or restart the phone to get the signal back. This happened in areas of very strong reception, not a fringe effect.

Fast forward to the Bionic... It does the exact same thing and it could not be more frustrating!!! For instance, I spent 10 minutes today trying to get the darn thing to latch on to a data signal (despite having 5 bars). Airplane more, restart phone, force into CDMA only, nothing worked. I've tried all the usual tricks such as resetting phone to factory settings, running it with no downloaded apps, etc.

Does anyone know a solution to this? Do ANY of the 4G phones work properly?

ALL 4G phones are the EXACT same..It does not matter who makes the phone or what version of software it has.

4G/3G data will NEVER play well together!!

It's like trying to put an Electronic controlled fuel injection w/o a computer on a car made for a carburetor (for those that actually know the impossibility of that screnario)

LOUcifer

JoeL_VZW wrote:
Thank you to the community for your replies.

Weatherguy86 I hate to hear your having problems with your Bionic. I understand the need for a good data connection. Thank you for all the troubleshooting you have already done.

I have good news! There is a software update that is coming out for the Bionic. Here's a link that shows the software benefits as well as how to search for the update.

The software update will address the data connection issues that some users have been experiencing.

Thank you for your patience

Ohhhhhhhh Joel,

You've been drinking the VZW Kool-aid for too long my friend...LOL

Utah_patriot

I agree the Issue is very frustrating the update did not fix the data although better the pre update.

Also battery is a little better but still has issues with consumption.

And the apps in the media area sometimes disappear still.

And the Android app market won't show me my apps so I can't update them except with a third party app.

So when is Google and Motorola and Verizon going to listen to the customer and fix this problem.

hayzooos

I'm having the same issues apparently. I think I go 40% of the time with no data connection at all. I've tried all the same tricks, but nothing works.

In addition, my phone (Bionic) won't even check for updates, since I read months ago about some mythical update to resolve this data issue. Every time I go to Check for Updates, I get: Check for Update is not available at this time. The message isn't that there is not an update available, just that it won't even look.

So between the $90 a month for service, and the money I spent for the phone, I feel like the biggest sucker on Earth.

User13

We have been having the same problems since we got the Bionic a couple months ago. The week after we got it, we went back to the store to complain. We were told they knew of the issues when we bought it and hope to have an update coming out soon. That was 2 months ago. So, in other words, they KNEW they were selling us something that didnt work, didnt bother to tell us before we bought it, and now don't appear to want to do anyhting about it. Not only did we pay hundreds of dollars for the phone, we have to continue to pay almost $100 a month. And there is nothing we can do because when we bought the junk, they locked us into another 2 year contract. I must say, I have always been a fan of Verizon. I recommended them to anyone I could, I would give them favorable reviews in any and all surveys I could find... Now, my dedication is wavering. I understand with any new product, there can be issues. The true testament is how the company handles the issue. if they handle it well and take care of their customers and own up the the problem, you know they are a good company and can be trusted. So far, Verizon has not shown me that they even CARE about this issue, let alone plan to do anything to make it right. I am extremely disappointed.

weatherguy86

Verizon clearly isn't listening to us. I think it's time to take the 4G nightmare story to the Consumerist. Companies seem to listen when the Consumerist listens.

For what it's worth - 3 times today I had no data connectivity at all. Let me tell you - GPS is pretty worthless when you're lost and you can't get the maps to load because your phone is incapable of holding a data signal!

mobius0322

Found this on another forum today..http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/12/19/this-is-why-your-verizon-galaxy-nexus-or-other-4g-lte-vzw-phone-is-losing-data-signal/

tthurlow

Its not just my bionic that's doing this either. I recently upgraded my xoom to 4g and ever since it wont hold a connection either. I'm paying 140$ a month for about 7gb of data between the two and barely using 2gb because I can never connect. I think its time we start discussing class action lawsuit for charging me a fee, but not delivering what I pay for.

Joey301

Well maybe it is not the bioic after all. I am traveling and not in my normal 4g area. my bionic has connected to 4 g every time I have tried since I started my travel. my Normal area is near dc, and my data is almost non existent there. if I always had the connectivity that I have here, I would never have complained. verizon needs to fix their network. I Agee that we are paying for something that I am not getting, and this was the gist of my complaint to the FCC.

shawnbooms

I feel the pain of all of you. 7 years as a VZW customer, and all we get is an I'm sorry, this issue is known and we are working on a fix. I have had this bionic since it first came out. I have done everything everyone has mentioned to deal with the problem, reset to factory, airplane mode at least 15 times a day, pulled battery, wait on OTA update, talked to local VZW tech. I asked what my course of action was, if the new update doesn't fix the issue we can raise it up a level, so I asked what if that did no good, well you are passed the 14 days so you can't trade it in on another model, to which I replied maybe if you guys can't address my problems I would have to take my business elsewhere, to which they replied, you know you will have to pay to terminate your contract early on all 4 lines. HA. when I did my upgrade to the Bionic I spent nearly $1500 to upgrade my wife and son early with multiple chargers and cases and other accessories. $1500 in one transaction after 7 years of service which only god knows how much my monthly bill has added up to over the years.

All I want is a phone that works. If the TECH GODS are listening, help the bionic community. Pull your none working phones off the market and offer a choice of replacement phone. I don't even care that I have paid for data plans that you can never connect to, I don't care about resetting upgrade time lines, all I want is to continue paying you for a phone that works.

I have never been a fan of Apple or IPhones, but man are they looking good. And not from VZW. AT&T stinks around here, but I believe I am almost to the point of biting the bullet and spending god knows how much to cancel early and go to someone else.

I feel like we are all getting the short end of the stick here.

VZW and MOTOROLA. . .

. . . Rectify the situation please

Joey301

shawnbooms wrote:

I feel the pain of all of you. 7 years as a VZW customer, and all we get is an I'm sorry,
I feel like we are all getting the short end of the stick here.

VZW and MOTOROLA. . .
. . . Rectify the situation please

Perfect post. Thank you.

BuffaloBub

I have the same issues - it is worse since the update. Before I would occasionally loose the data connection, now I occasionally have a data connection. I got a lapdock for Christmas - great present when you have no data connection!

FIX THIS PROBLEM!

nnk_ascii

I really hate to beat a dead horse but VZW needs to address this issue, or at least make some kind of statement about it. All we ever get is some VZW forum monitor apologizing. (I work in support so I'm not bashing the mods here, believe me)

I was hopeful the 0893 update would resolve the problem but often times it seems like the data connection is worse. I live in a strong 3g area, and work 1/4 mile from a 4g tower yet I'd say at least 50% of the time I have no data signal at all.

I'm trying not to give up on VZW completely, as I've been a customer with them as long as i can remember, but this issue is really starting to get old. And the worst part is if you withhold payment in protest more than likely they would just shut your phone off and charge you the early termination fee. Brilliant business strategy.

mpasley89

I am having the same issue. they keep insisting that it is the phone. they are now sending me Bionic #3. Since i have had the phone in late November i have had no internet connection. they are refusing to exchange it for a different phone. saying its my phone number and that they need to put a ticket in to make sure my phone number is ok..?? I have never had an issue with data connection on ANY of my previous phones, EVER. they fact that they keep insisting its the phone and my phone number and not telling me its an issue with there network or with the make of the phone really ticks me off. They have been telling me there are no reports for this type of problem that they have no records of this ever happening. then with them not calling me back to see if the problem is fixed when they say they will doesnt make me much happier. I am an Over The Road truck driver and i NEED my internet working to be able to find my loads, and i cannot leave or find a load without the internet. But who cares that this is affecting my income and livelihood. I am just completely FED up with vzw at this point. and Sprint is looking pretty damn nice right about now.

brainof7

Beware. I kept getting "No Data Connection" notices. I was recently told it was not a network problem but a "known" problem with the Bionic. Verizon just sent me a refurbished Razr to replace my Bionic.

http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/12/19/this-is-why-your-verizon-galaxy-nexus-or-other-4g-lte-vzw-phone-is-losing-data-signal/

mpasley89

They refused to send me a different phone. I am on my 3rd Bionic, Still having the same issue. They are REFUSING TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME besides sending me the same phone having the same issues. I am about to disconnect my services. I pay 270 a month for unlimited services and I have been a customer for 4 years now and I get treated like I am an idiot.

chekhov

I am in your exact same shoes. 200 bucks a month, 3rd bionic, and same shitty phone. seriously upset customer

BC123

I too am frustrated. The problems are bad enough but many of the Verizon and Motorola tech support act like you are the only one with a problem. Do they think we are stupid or do they just not care. I was so mad I was ready to just replace the phone but if they force me to do that I couldn't stay with Verizon because of the way the treated me. Finally I decided to Try the Update 5.9.901. I installed yesterday and I now have a great signal. I have signal now in places I never did before. I actually like this phone now. I am still mad at Verizon and will probably leave when the contract is up do to the way they treated me but as long as the phone is now working I can at least wait till I wont have to pay an early termination fee.

fiddlethis

settings>battery and data manager>data delivery>enable background data and enable data access over mobile network

boilerphan

After trying some of these actions and suggestions, this data connectivity issue is still happening. I have used a power manager app in the past named Juice Defender Ultimate. I had stopped using it recently but I remembered that it had a data recycle function when it goes from a locked state to an unlocked state. I re-enabled the app and it has a prompt to refresh the data connection when you begin to use the touchscreen. This refresh causes the data to recycle and restore the connection. I have had it this way for a couple of days and it works very well. If the data connection does drop, I just turn the screen off and unlock it to force the recycle from the app. It beats having to do a power down.

Good luck to all in this but I wanted to share what I have found to be successful for me.

Another_Dave

I have had the Bionic for several months after three ThunderBolts malfunctioned. This is the worst my data connection has ever been, in regards to maintaining the blue colored 4G. My problem took place after 4G expansion in Hagerstown, MD and the 905 OTA. I have it somewhat fixed by calling VZW tech support tier 2. They advised a SIM replacement for free. It helped some, as my data connection lasted 30 seconds or less at a time. Tech tier 2 also forwarded my issue to the Network Engineering section. It still is not real stable, but it is better than 30 seconds of data at a time. The issue still exists though. A shame as the Unlimited Data package wants used. :smileyhappy:

ubm0158

I have the same problem. It is the phone it is a pure piece of $hit. Verizon most likely knew this before the phone was released. Back tracking, note this:

They cut the return period from 30 days to 15.
Did away with "new every two".
Released the Razr a month after the Bionic, well out of the 15 day return window
Cut the price of the Bionic to $99 about two months after release.
Have not attempted to fix the 4g LTE network issues.

Verizon knew exactly what they were doing and what we were getting when they released this piece of garbage.

I've changed the SIM card. Same problems. Updated the firmware. same problem. Reboot, etc.

Their solution: Switch to 3G!! No f'ing crap!

Changing to a replacement Bionic will not fix the problem. There is a serious problem and they are not going to

fix it unless forced to.

At this point they can shove the ICS 4.0 up their a$$!! i want the network problems fixed first!!

Why upgrade the O/S and still have the same connection problems??

OCGabe

I have had the same experience as you. I started calling technical support 3-days after receiving my Bionic. They told me to try all of these "fixes", then at the 16th day, they said that I could not have a repacement. I argued that I had been calling them since day 3 - it's not my fault that they lead me on. They replied that they would let me change, but because I was outside of the 15 days, I would be subject to a 30% restocking fee.

MarkOmaha

I did a factory reset and tried to figure out what application was hosing my data connection and gps. I found out that it was the Facebook app for android. As soon as I open or have that running it makes me lose data connection. There is some kind of issue with the versions of facebook and android that I currently have on my phone. I have been having issues for four weeks now with data and gps. As soon as I unistalled and stopped using the facebook app for android I have had blazing fast internet again with no drops.

MarkOmaha

Needless to say four calls to verizon wireless support and they never have an answer other than they can send me a new bionic since I am still under warranty. It is obvious that it isn't the phone and is a software issue.

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