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Slow/no data with 3 bars and 3G

Hoping someone may have some insight to help me with this frustrating issue.

My iPhone 4 has 3 bars of service and 3G connectivity, but my data either crawls at a snails pace or doesn't load at all. This includes Pandora, games, Safari, email, MMS, etc. The only time I have good data is when I'm at home and connected to my wi-fi. I'm very frustrated to have paid for a phone and data package that is pretty much a fancy paperweight that takes phone calls. Has anyone else experience this issue? Any known fixes? Thanks in advance!

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Comments

gina7239

You should do *228 option 1-2 and reset the network settings in settings. I would also ask Verizon what they think. I know what you mean though.

Perla81

I am having the same issue. I've already gone through the *228 option and reset the network settings.. no change.

KEV815PAN

Same problem here, very slow 3G Internet Connection (sorry about the duplicate post last night), On my IPad 2 last night I was able to make new posts however, I was not able to reply to existing posts. I have tried *228, I have also tried resetting Network Settings (Settings, General, Reset, Reset Network Settings), problem still NOT fixed. As I am a member of the Apple IOS Developer Program, I may very well file a Bug Report with Apple and see if they can help figure out what the problem is!

Rhino23

My wife and I both have a iPhone 4 and are having the same problems. We can't connect to any apps, safari, etc... I have gone thru the whole *228 and everything even hooking up to my iMac and updating, but nothing has changed...frustrated to say the least.

amy0408

I am frustrated by the very slow data on my iphone with 3G. It was never this slow before, but each month it gets worse. I was told it is due to so many people having smart phones, and Verizon is not doing anything with their 3G towers anymore, since 4G is the future. It makes sense, but there are a lot of people who bought the 3G iphone 4s just prior to the 5 coming out and are not due to upgrade any time soon. We still pay for our data plan each month, and should be able to get good service, not network errors. It's sad when people on Metro or one of the cheap services have better data connections than we do, when we are paying for the supposedly better service.

Verizon_Support

Hello @amy0408 and all,

I know receiving fantastic speeds is a necessity for all. I'm glad to see that you have all reset network settings as this is often times a cure for network related issues. I do also want to ensure that History and Cache have been cleared from the browser. This can be done by heading into Settings > Safari.

It is also a good idea to force close applications when experiencing slow data speeds. This can be done by doubling clicking the home button and holding down on the necessary apps that need to be closed. http://bit.ly/LkNF1e

There is also network optimization which may be causing a slower speeds depending on your area and usage. http://vz.to/pMMCfs

YosefT_VZW

VZW Support

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

lexiy76

The network reset worked for me, so I want to thank you for listing out the steps. I was getting very upset. Hope you found a solution.

amy0408

I just read the link from YosefT_VZW at Verizon customer service. It says they are only optimizing the highest 5% of users. Those are people using more than 2G of data. 2G? When their plans offer 10G per month, there is NO way 2G is in the top 5%. So I guess that's my answer. Will they keep "optimizing" my data until I am forced to upgrade? That brings up another problem... The iphone 5 is not compatible with my Mac, which is about 5 years old and runs like new. There is no reason to buy a new computer AND phone just so I can utilize the "data" plan I am already paying for. I always loved Verizon, but I am about ready to use a friend's 4s on AT&T. My contract is up in June. Any help, Verizon?

amy0408

KEV815PAN, please do file a bug report with Apple! At least then we will know if the problem can be fixed on Apple's end, or if it is Verizon. It is rather interesting that AT&T users do not seem to be experiencing the problem to this extent.

Ann154

amy0408 wrote:
I just read the link from YosefT_VZW at Verizon customer service. It says they are only optimizing the highest 5% of users. Those are people using more than 2G of data. 2G? When their plans offer 10G per month, there is NO way 2G is in the top 5%. So I guess that's my answer. Will they keep "optimizing" my data until I am forced to upgrade? That brings up another problem... The iphone 5 is not compatible with my Mac, which is about 5 years old and runs like new. There is no reason to buy a new computer AND phone just so I can utilize the "data" plan I am already paying for. I always loved Verizon, but I am about ready to use a friend's 4s on AT&T. My contract is up in June. Any help, Verizon?

It's 2 GB not 2G. There is a difference.

How exactly is the iPhone 5 not compatible with your Mac computer? I'm curious.

unknown

amy0408 wrote:
I just read the link from YosefT_VZW at Verizon customer service. It says they are only optimizing the highest 5% of users. Those are people using more than 2G of data. 2G? When their plans offer 10G per month, there is NO way 2G is in the top 5%. So I guess that's my answer. Will they keep "optimizing" my data until I am forced to upgrade? That brings up another problem... The iphone 5 is not compatible with my Mac, which is about 5 years old and runs like new. There is no reason to buy a new computer AND phone just so I can utilize the "data" plan I am already paying for. I always loved Verizon, but I am about ready to use a friend's 4s on AT&T. My contract is up in June. Any help, Verizon?

You totally misread that. They "optimize" those on UNLIMITED data. The ones that get optimize have to use more than 2 GB first. That does NOT mean if you use 2.1 GB you're getting optimized. It's the top 5% of all users. You could be in the top 6% and be using 20 GB a month. Also it only applies to 3G data. It also only applies when there is a congestion issue. In other words you might be in the top 1% and as long there aren't congestion issues you won't be "optimized'.

As far as those that have 10 GB plans. They pay $80 for that 10 GB. People on unlimited pay $30. So yeah those paying $80 for 10 GB are not getting optimized of people using 10 GB who are only paying $30.

amy0408

I really need to get to the bottom of this data issue. It began around the time of the iOS6 update. I literally cannot stream music without it stopping constantly. Yesterday it took over 5 minutes to download one itunes song. Also, web pages load so slow that I sometimes get a message indicating that I have no wireless connection. I am wondering if this is due to data optimization, as I live in a very congested metro area. I just checked my data usage over the past 6 months, and only once did I hit 2.2 GB. Otherwise it's around 1.6. The rep at the Verizon store doubted it was being optimized, so what is happening? Like I said, it began around the time of the iOS 6 update. I haven't heard complaints from anyone using the iphone 4 on other networks. Any help would be very much appreciated, as the Verizon store could only suggest buying the 5.

unknown

3 bars is signal strength. Doesn't tell you if there is congestion or not which will affect speed. All it takes is a few people in your area with unlimited data running it constantly watching video or whatever to screw it up for everyone else.

ctowncracka

I live in Raleigh NC. I get ZERO service despite having 3G at my apartment. Because of this, i can barely ever send MMS texts to anyone who doesnt have an iphone. Literally 1/10 will go through, and i pretty much have to be on my porch for that to happen DESPITE HAVING 3-4 BARS 3G AND HI SPEED INTERNET!!!!!! This is a recent problem thats only been going on for about four months with no end in sght. I've tried resetting network SEVERAL times as well as the *228 trick. On the contrary, when i do both of these things, my service actually gets WORSE! I'm on the brink of getting rid of my iphone and leaving Verizon as well. This is RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thigpenbs

Seems like a lot of customers in many different areas are experiencing problems with 3G. Verizon keeps giving everyone the same advice...*228 update, hard reset, soft reset, reset network...blah blah blah...none of that works. Why can't they just get to the core of the problem?

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