Locking your Charge phone into 3G CDMA using Automatic or Home Only

[JerryF]

When you go to Settings>Wireless & Networks>Mobile Networks and click on System Selection if you select CDMA Mode you get two more choices which are:  Home Only or Automatic.

What is the difference between those two choices?  In other words which one should I choose and WHY?

I did notice that at the top of the screen, where it shows 3G, sometimes a small D appears below the 3G.

Anyhow, which one is the best to choose?

JerryF

[JerryF · Accepted solution]

I finally found the answer myself.  If you choose "Home Only" you will only be connected to the Verizon network but if you choose "Automatic" this allows roaming on another network. 

Furthermore, if roaming is active a triangle symbol will appear in the status bar at top top of the screen..  I might suggest a $ sign  instead of the triangle!

JerryF

[lilahblossom]

My Charge has a choice of Automatic A and Automatic B for CDMA. Do you guys have that too?

[JerryF]

No, my Charge only has two choices Automatic (no A or B) and Home.  Go to:  Settings>About phone and go down the list to Baseband Version. 

Does your say...

i510.06 V.EE4

SCH-I510.EE1

I just wondered if you had the EE4 update because you should.  If you do, all is well.

JerryF

[DC5_K20Z1]

Lol yea don't want to be roaming....thats major bank!!

[DerekF302]

TRIP3601211 Here, Other screen name aint working for some reason...I think the moderators are WATCHING me lol. But wow, this is good info you found JerryF. I always had mine on CDMA Mode: automatic. So 'home' just stays on Verizon network??? I am wondering if this helps the data drops at all? Any improvements? I'm in a 4G EXTENDED area so reguardless my 4G LTE drops when on LTE mode. No biggie there since its expected. I've been in a complete coverage and the 4G seemed pretty strong and never dropped...at least in the half hour of use. Saddly I have switched back over to my DX2 as I have said before I was going to do, because of this data drop issue. But if this 'Home' mode works better...I'm going to be kinda upset since if I want to switch yet AGAIN back over to the charge I'll need to get ANOTHER SIM from verizon. Been seeing alot of your posts jerry and I gotta say, pretty impressed by your persistant research. Keep it up n let us know how its going for you. Saddly this OTA update joke that never SHOWS has made me downgrade back to the 3G. Dual-core isnt that good either let me tell you...have an extended battery as well and this phone still sucks in other software issues...GOD will I ever be able to have a decent functioning phone!? Sorry...little venting over here...I'm done. Thanks!

[JerryF]

Derekf/Trip,

I am using 4G because I have a very strong signal; therefore, no drops when using 4G.  My 3G signal is also strong so again no drops using 3G. 

What about roaming when connecting using 4G?  I suppose it may be impossible to roam when using Verizon 4G so roaming may only occur  when using 3G.  Does anyone know???

JerryF

[jco23]

I leave my phone on 3G (CDMA) and automatic.  4G is major battery drain.  on 3G, my battery can last 1.5 days; on 4G, just 6 hours.

[#9]

JerryF, thank you for your inquiry. I would suggest keeping the phone set to automatic in order to be able to use your phone in multiple locations. Changing to Home only will allow you to only make calls around your home area. For example, I am in the Chicago area, so my phone is programmed to that area by the system identification number (SID) in my phone. If I have my phone set to home only, I can use my phone in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs that use the same SID. But if I travel 50-60 miles away to Rockford, IL which uses a different SID, my phone will not pick up service even though this is also a Verizon Wireless service area.

If you are in an area near the Canadian border, programming to home only can help you so that you don't pick up Canadian towers, but other than that, I would recommend keeping on automatic. 

If you are traveling to a different country, you can turn off Data roaming or turn on Airplane mode to prevent roaming charges. If you don't already, I would recommend switching to a Nationwide calling plan so that there are no roaming charges while in the U.S. 

[JerryF]

MarquiaF,

Thank you!  That is the most complete explanation that I have seen.  I appreciate your effort.  When using CDMA 3G I will make sure I am in Automatic mode especially because we sometimes travel in our Motorhome.

JerryF

[DC5_K20Z1]

I haven't seen a or b at all, I just have auto or home. I am on the ee4 software.