Blackerry Bold Dropped Calls

rls
Newbie

Anyone have a fix for the Bold dropping calls???

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  • Bold

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StreetDocRN
Champion - Level 1

Hi, all,

I dug up this old post that described problems with dropped calls and other signal issues with the radio file in the Bold OS software, version 5.0.0.732 and .699.  The latest official Verizon release for the Bold, 5.0.0.975 seems to have resolved those issues as well as a few other problems related to PTT.  I highly recommend Bold users to update to the latest OS release and you will find your device will run a lot smoother and you will also find that your battery seems to last a little bit longer too.  I thought I would pass this along.  You can download the Verizon file from Verizon's software download page at http://vzw.smithmicro.com/blackberry/  Good luck,

Thanks,

Doc

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22 Replies
StreetDocRN
Champion - Level 1

Hey,

I have been reading that the radio signal was improved in the last update for the Bold 9650.  If you have not updated your device, you can do so by going to Verizon's download page at http://vzw.smithmicro.com/blackberry/

Hope this helps,

Doc

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max946
Newbie

This is my 3rd 9650 from Verizon and still have the dropped calls. I am running .732, also updated via *228 several times.  can drive along 495 and drop calls 6 times in a 20 mile ride. I also have the storm 2 and along the same route never have a dropped call. There has to be a fix for this? 

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StreetDocRN
Champion - Level 1

Hi, all,

I dug up this old post that described problems with dropped calls and other signal issues with the radio file in the Bold OS software, version 5.0.0.732 and .699.  The latest official Verizon release for the Bold, 5.0.0.975 seems to have resolved those issues as well as a few other problems related to PTT.  I highly recommend Bold users to update to the latest OS release and you will find your device will run a lot smoother and you will also find that your battery seems to last a little bit longer too.  I thought I would pass this along.  You can download the Verizon file from Verizon's software download page at http://vzw.smithmicro.com/blackberry/  Good luck,

Thanks,

Doc

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VAndring
Newbie

I am on my 5th Bold replacement through Verizon.  Despite that the last two came updated with .975, and despite that I have also updated the roaming, the dropped calls persist.  It's unacceptable.

 

I wonder how many phones verizon is willing to give, and how big of a chunk of my life they would have taken in that process. Clearly this is a known issue and it is NOT resolved by the latest update.  Shame on Verizon for this. Either they know and ignore the problem, or they do not inform their representatives.  

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ziska
Newbie

Had a Curve before and NEVER dropped a call.

On my second Bold now. Did everything that has been suggested by Verizon tech support.....

I CAN NOT USE my phone for phone calls!!!!!

I can txt and receive emails but cannot talk on the phone because no matter where I am

I keep DROPPING CALLS over and over and over again.

This phone is absolutely useless and all I have is a very expensive txt device.

Apparently Verizon DOES NOT CARE!

The Internet is FULL of complains and everybody seems to have the same exact problem with

that device.

Maybe getting the Media involved, cancelling the contract or involving an attorney will get

this problem solved.

It is rediciulous, annoying and a SHAME that Verizon does NOT DO A THING.

Been with Verizon OVER 10 years now and they can't  HELP?

thanks Verizon ............guess I will have to find my own way to get that problem solved!

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genghis
Newbie

I am having the same problem with the bold.  I am on my third device.  Originally on a 5.x code base and the last two on a 6.x code base and getting massive dropped calls.  I have tried fiddling with the settings, removing the SIM card and a variety of other possible fixes to debug the problem but no luck.  Since I used my upgrade in November, I don't have a lot of options unless Verizion decides to be kind and let me get a different phone or fix the dropped call problem.  Unlike previous callers, I don't think it is a signal strength issue as the phone shows 4 bars of strength and then suddenly drops to zero bars and drops my calls.  Seconds later it will be back at 4 bars of strength.  All of this while I am stationary in my office.  it is very frustrating.  I have been a customer of Verizon for many years and never had a problem like this.

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eminyard
Newbie

I am experiencing unacceptable levels of dropped calls on my Bold.  I've noticed that this occurs pretty much anytimeI get a "notification" on my BB while engaged in a call.  When it occurs, I can usually hear the other party, but they lose me completely.

 

I have been a Blackberry user since the days of the original "pager" style.  I've had every version since, and for the past 10+ years, as a verizon customer.  I stick with BB because I need a tools, not a toy.  The reliability of this phone leaves me in doubt as to the carrier and phone choices in my future.

 

Phone: Blackberry Bold 9650 (brand new)

OS: 6.0 Bundle 1741 (v6.0.0.431, Platform 4.4.0.315

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Kimberly_Nicole
Contributor - Level 2

Hi.  I am sorry you have been having issues with your dropped calls and I will be happy to look into this for you.    is correct!  We do have an update that I would suggest you try.   If you have already updated your device, try to dial *228 option 2 to update your roaming. 

 

If none of that helps, please give me your zip code so I can check your area.

 

 

Waiting on your reply :smileyhappy:

 

 

Thanks!

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mylevel2
Newbie

I have been having the same issues-calls constantly dropping.  This did not happen with my BB Curve.  I have gotten a replacement BB Bold and still no improvement.  

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LCromwell
Specialist - Level 1
Just a thought have you dialed *228 and done both option 1&2 ?
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LouiseT
Newbie

I have now had 2 Bolds, and basically everyone in my firm thinks I'm nuts with the dropped calls.  My associate has the same model, he never has an issue -- its a running joke that my phone, and only my phone, drops constantly (mostly because i'm out of the office and i actually use it to communicate.  Unreal.  I am now updating the OS (what's 88 MB between friends, really) and we'll see how it goes.  My IT dept says to shut off the unit (using the automatic feature under options) every night because Verizon gives lower priority to those who leave their phones on (really?  my admin never turns her HTC off, and no she doesn't drop calls either.

 

So IT says i could try an iPhone, but as another poster said, I use this for work, i don't need a multimedia toy.  Anyone having any luck with the new Blackberry that runs on the Android system?

 

Oh, and by the way, I *228 practically daily, and have shut the unit off nightly and there's no difference.  Somedays it's fine, somedays i could back over the bloody thing in the driveway.  Astonishing really.  Data and text are great, internet darn decent, but the phone doesn't work...?  And true, verizon doesn't seem to give a patootie.

 

Frustrated in the DC metro area...

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revglenrose
Newbie

I too am experiencing dropped calls in Bethesda, MD with my Blackberry Bold 9650.  My husband is on a Verizon flip phone and he has zero problems.

 

  Service has been unacceptable since we moved here; they sold us an extender and even standing beside it my signal is -80.  Now the dropped calls are happening everywhere -- I had 12 calls dropped yesterday alone, in my office and at my home.  I have changed from Global to 1XEV; have done the *228 2 to update my PRL several times (and still can't get roaming to reflect the 400-ish number that the home area is supposed to show).  Updated software. 

 

 I am a minister, and yesterday a call was dropped just as I was talking with a congregant about to go into surgery -- NOT ACCEPTABLE, and yes, Verizon does not care. They don't want to give me a hybrid PRL.

 

 We have been Verizon customers (two phones, internet service, trying to buy an ipad) for 8 years.  This is incredibly frustrating -- I guess I'm just writing to vent since it seems I've tried everything.   

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zonebreaker
Newbie

I have had this phone for exactly 3 weeks and have dropped 42 phone calls. Today FED EX delivered my new Bold and as I stated in the other thread from the VZ Wireless store to my office I dropped mulitple calls. The next step in northern ohio is to check the towers to see if there is something wrong. The solution for Verizon is to recall this piece of garbage and let folks get a different phone. Imagine going down to the local car lot buying a new car. Pay top dollar for it and have it only run if it is in park. This is an unacceptable way to do business. Shame on Verizon Wireless for selling me a device that has a known defect.

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Not applicable

You are absolutely correct when you state that dropping calls is obnoxious, irritating, and unacceptable. You are also correct when you state the next step is to troubleshoot the network.  Two phones with the same issue on dropped calls is unlikely.  How is your signal strength when you drop calls?  Having good signal strength (2-4 bars) and still dropping calls is a good indication of a phone issue.  Having low signal strength and dropping calls is indicative of a network-driven issue.  If this is indeed a device-related issue, new software is on the way very soon.  Here is a link that's live on our site now to show how close it is:  http://support.vzw.com/system_update/bb_bold.html . If you attempt to update your software, and it fails, try again in a few days this will be available via over-the-air update.  If this was indeed a problem with everyone dropping calls on all Blackberry Bold devices, we would recall the phone.  We have done it in the past with other model phones (this is extremely rare though).  

 

In a nutshell: Try updating your software when it becomes available. Check your signal strength when you are dropping calls. If you have a low signal where you are dropping calls, please either call 866-892-7957 (our direct tech support number) to open a trouble ticket, or PM me, and I will call you to get one filed. 

 

I hope this addresses your concerns. 

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paulpross
Newbie

How soon is this update going to occur; is there a target date?  I have the same problem with dropped calls and would like to have it fixed. Thank you.

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StreetDocRN
Champion - Level 1

paulpross wrote:

How soon is this update going to occur; is there a target date?  I have the same problem with dropped calls and would like to have it fixed. Thank you.



Hey,

 

The new software update for the Bold 9650 is available for download from Verizon.  I installed and it seems to be running great. 

 

Doc

 

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mtacconi
Newbie

I'm having similar issues with my Bold.  This is my 3rd Bold in the past week.

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SuzyQ
Community Leader
Community Leader

mtacconi wrote:

I'm having similar issues with my Bold.  This is my 3rd Bold in the past week.



What OS are you running on the Bold?  As advised in a different thread - what are your network settings?  Are you using wifi as well?  My Bold runs very well, I may have had one dropped call  - and I live in the same area of the state as you do (North Bay area vs East Bay but fairly closeby.) so I don't think it's a signal issue.

 

Post back with your network settings and we'll go from there.

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EdW_VZW
Verizon Employee

mtacconi wrote:

I'm having similar issues with my Bold.  This is my 3rd Bold in the past week.


 

Thanks to SuzyQ for your input. Hello mtacconi, in meaning you had three different phones in three weeks, What service issues are you having? If so, please give more details information to the specific service issues you are having so some suggestions can be given based on your details. If you experiencing dropped calls, doing a soft reset will refresh your signals to the towers in your location. Here is a link to our website that can provide additional assistance with your BlackBerry device. 

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HotRodJosh
Newbie

I too am having loads of trouble with my Blackberry.  I upgraded from a Curve to the Bold a few months ago.  I had zero issues with  the Curve in my house.  My wife also has a newer Curve with zero issues.  My Bold drops calls almost every time.  there is only one spot in my house I can stand to use the phone. 

 

There is definitly a problem with  the Bold.  Something needs to be done by Verizon.  I love the Blackberry but this is crazy.  I has become a running joke about my dropped calls.  It makes it really had to conduct business from my house.

 

Any help Verizon? 

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