Losing data connection

[ts]

I've been losing my data connection periodically.  I'm guessing it is when I get into an area with poor service, which would be expected.  The problem is that after getting back to a strong signal, the data connection does not re-establish.  I show several bars of signal, but no 3G or 1x next to it (and a message that the data network is unavailable when trying to do something that would require Internet access).  Rebooting the phone or switching in and out of Airplane mode seems to take care of the problem, but this is a real pain having to do this - especially since I work in a "black hole" for wireless signal.

Is anyone else experiencing this and have you found any kind of solution?  This forum seems to have better information than Verizon support!

TIA

[mmarino23]

same issue here my old phone had no trouble with data at my office, Moto Droid doesnt pick up 3g service automatically. But you were right about the airplane mode switching on and off. that did the trick, but very annoying for sure

[fly78621]

Same issues!  Still trying to find a solution.  It looks like this phone relies on a signal to operate...... not good.

[fly78621]

replied earlier....  just talked to Verizon Tech support.  They have no clue how to fix this problem.  Seems as though I am the only only who has officially logged this problem with them.

EVERYONE with this problem needs to call Verizon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ardoreal]

Did the rep have you do the ol *228 thing?

[ts]

I sent an e-mail to support about this - no reply yet.

Incidentally, I have done *228 multiple times but it doesn't make any difference.

[fly78621]

To start with my phone was down so much I didn't receive your responses unti 12:15 am.

tried the *228 don't know if it helped yet.  Verizon never said a word about it.

thanks.....

[ts]

UPDATE:

I have heard from two Verizon reps on this issue - the first advised me to return the phone.  Here is her response...

With our Worry Free Guarantee, you may return your wireless equipment, for any reason, within 30 days of purchase. Please ensure you return the original box, including the UPC Code, intact with all components (phone, charger, battery, instructions, etc.). All components must be in like-new condition. All returns must be accompanied by the original receipt and will only be granted to the actual purchaser whose name appears on the receipt.

At our discretion, we may decline your return or charge you a fee for missing items or items that we determine are damaged or require service. If we accept your equipment return within this period, we will refund your equipment purchase price.

I replied that I really didn't want to return the phone because I thought this was a software glitch and a different phone wouldn't make a difference if that were the case.  I explained in more detail what I was finding and asked if there was some kind of "watchdog" function that would automatically detect when the network connection was lost and automatically attempt to re-connect when the phone received signal again (I thought I may have disabled it accidentally).  I then received a much more detailed response from an "Analyst - Tech Support".

Thank you for contacting Verizonwireless.  We appreciate the feedback on the Motorola Droid and have forwarded your findings to the appropriate department for further investigation.

With most devices, a period of time exists where we do receive feedback on the device for operational abilities etc.  Periodically as a result of this information, software updates or maintenance release's will be offered as an update via the phone or via download from our support site.  www.verizonwireless.com/support.

Currently we have seen additional reports as it pertains to the exchange server function, that have already been listed as being enhanced with the next update for software on the phone.  Unfortunately, we do not have a concrete timeline for the release as I'm sure once developed, the update will need to be tested thoroughly prior to release.

Regarding a "watchdog" application, there are of course a multitude of applications available for this device as well we anticipate many more with the open platform structure of the Droid.  At this time, I am not aware of such program, however I would continue to monitor the marketplace for programs that will fit your needs.

If you should have any further questions or concerns regarding your device, or how it is operating, at your convenience please contact us at 1-800-922-0204.

At this point I don't know if I should return the phone or wait it out for the "fix".

[ivorycruncher]

I don't know if this is relevant or not, but just the other day, my Eris decided it wanted to switch to 1X mode for all data transfer.  I had plenty of signal, and with no data flowing, it showed the 3G icon, but it switched to 1X when any data started transfering.  I just rebooted the phone, and that seems to have fixed it.  For now, anyway.

[ivorycruncher]

Oh, nevermind.  I just realized the exact issue I just mentioned has been officially acknowledged and will be fixed in the OTA update on Dec. 11th.  The current workaround is exactly what I did, which is power cycling (rebooting) the phone.

[ahearn]

Yeah, this "stuck in 1X mode" problem seems to be common with a number of new Verizon phones, particularly the HTC Touch Pro 2 and Imagio. I have the Imagio, and have the problem. There are long threads on the PPCGeeks.com forums regarding this problem, with no permanent solution found.

Many, many people have contacted Verizon regarding the problem, including myself, and it is very frustrating when they tell you that you are the only one in the world having the problem, and that they will exchange the phone for you. Of course, the new phone has the same problem to a more or less degree. Lame "solutions" like doing a soft reset, going in and out of airplane mode, and other "fixes" are only temporary, if they work at all. Sometimes the "fixes" last for a few minutes, sometimes a week, but never permanently. I actually went two weeks in 3G mode, until about two days ago when I returned to 1X hell (same location, no changes whatsoever).

There is definitely something wrong with 1) the radio hardware/firmware in the phones, or 2) the Verizon 3G network. Maybe all these new 3G phones has compromised their network so that it can't handle the increased traffic (someone tell AT&T about Verizon's poor 3G coverage).

[nmchileman]

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ts wrote:

I've been losing my data connection periodically.  I'm guessing it is when I get into an area with poor service, which would be expected.  The problem is that after getting back to a strong signal, the data connection does not re-establish.  I show several bars of signal, but no 3G or 1x next to it (and a message that the data network is unavailable when trying to do something that would require Internet access).  Rebooting the phone or switching in and out of Airplane mode seems to take care of the problem, but this is a real pain having to do this - especially since I work in a "black hole" for wireless signal.

Is anyone else experiencing this and have you found any kind of solution?  This forum seems to have better information than Verizon support!

TIA

---

I had this problem with my HTC Eris. The bars of signal would be there but no 1X or 3G symbol would show, it was completely gone. Other times 3G would drop back to 1X sporadically and even though it said 1X I got error messages saying there was no active connection. I tried several master resets but it still happened. That was my main reason in returning the device yesterday.

I've spoken to several people in the data analyst team in the ABQ center here in my town, they said this is a known issue specifically for the Eris device. They're hoping it should be resolved in the first MR1 coming early December.

[ts]

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nmchileman wrote:

I had this problem with my HTC Eris. The bars of signal would be there but no 1X or 3G symbol would show, it was completely gone. Other times 3G would drop back to 1X sporadically and even though it said 1X I got error messages saying there was no active connection. I tried several master resets but it still happened. That was my main reason in returning the device yesterday.

I've spoken to several people in the data analyst team in the ABQ center here in my town, they said this is a known issue specifically for the Eris device. They're hoping it should be resolved in the first MR1 coming early December.

---

I had the VX6800 before this and had the same problem flipping between the 1x and EV, but this usually seemed to be when I was in a fringe or weak signal area and I would expect it.   I suspect the loss of the data connection on my Droid is probably similar and I can deal with that (if there's no signal, there's no signal) but what I can't deal with is the signal not re-establishing without some kind of intervention on my part, though I did notice one time last week I had lost the data connection and it re-established on it's own about 20 minutes after I was back in a strong signal area (though it also seemed to come back immediately after I took the phone out of "silent" mode - not sure if there is coincidental).

They seem to be pegging a LOT of fixes on thie MR1 in December.  I'm beginning to think that the CSRs are told that MR1 is the magical fix that will correct ALL problems - heck, it might even result in world peace!

So did you exchange your Eris for another Droid device?

[ts]

I heard back from Verizon's support again on the issue of exchanging the phone because of this condition.  Frankly I am rather disappointed, but not really surprised.  Here is their response:

If you return your device within the 30 day WFG, you can either replace with a New Droid, or select a different model. There will be no restocking fee if the Droid is defective. This will not extend your contract, beyond what you agreed to for the Droid.  Or if you go back to your old device, your contract will go back to what it was before you upgraded.

You can do 1 WFG exchange in the 30 day period, and the 30 day period does not start over, it goes from the original upgrade date of the first device.

Applications purchased through App Market will not be credited from Verizon Wireless. We do not sell these apps, for replacement apps, you will need to contact the vendor of the App.

So... no one can say for sure that this problem with data connections is hardware or software, but if it proves to be software and not a defective phone, according to this response I might be liable for a re-stocking fee (despite Verizon recommending I exchange it).  If I exchange the phone, that is my one and only shot so if the new phone is also defective, I guess I'm stuck.

Finally, it looks like all of the apps I've downloaded and purchased are my problem and I shouldn't expect any help with this.  I also asked about the accessories such as the screen protectors I bought and a Verizon rep installed on my phone when I purchased it.  I guess I'm out those as well. 

Hopefully Verizon will soon realize that their traditional policies and practices are well suited to the new bar for smartphones set by Apple.