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My (Bionic/Charge/Thunderbolt) keeps losing data signal

Am I the only person that is completely fed up with this?

I've had the Bionic since the day it came out, and I've yet to have a reliable non-WiFi data connection. I live in an area with 3g, and work in an area with 4g...so my phone switches back and forth often.

However, like many of you, I lose my cellular data connection several times a day. This is very, very inconvienient for someone who commutes an hour each way from work (and uses Google Maps or Waze to get traffic updates, listens to music via bluetooth) and who uses their Google Voice number for all phone calls/SMS messages. Not to mention all of the other unusable apps when there is no data connection.

The only thing that works (and is by no means permanant) is restarting the device.

My boss has the Charge and has the same issue, and a good friend of mine has the Thunderbolt...same issue.

I have called Verizon a few times Early on I was told they were aware and it was to be fixed in a software release; it was not. Next I was told to try a few things suggested by Motorola (clearing out cache and cookies in browser, swapping sim card), no fix. After swapping the sim card, I called again out of frustration, and they offered to send me a refurbished Bionic to replace mine. When I expressed my displeasure at that arrangement, they offered tp patch me through to Motorola...which ended up being some far away customer service department that offered the option of sending my phone in for diagnostics. Yeah; I want to be without a phone for a few days...that's a great idea.

Am I alone in thinking this is less a manufacturer issue, and more a Verizon issue? Why am I paying for a monthly data plan that is less than reliable? Is this what AT&T customers are used to feeling like?

This is my 4th Android phone (Droid, Droid Incredible, Droid X) and the only one I have had a major problem with. I'm beyond frustrated, and not sure what I should do at this point.

Comments

tmwes

There seems to be several threads in here dealing with this same issue. Perhaps we should consolidate so we are better heard? Whether it be this thread or another, this needs to be kept in the forefront until it is fixed.

vettz500

Verizon takes forever to roll out any kind of major update. The only way to truly fix it is to google about your phone and find it on XDA Developers, root it and install a custom rom (software update) that someone else has made. Most of the time they run more smoothly, faster, better battery life, and it fixes many issues with the phone.

Rooting will void the warrantee, that is the only downside, I have some good friends that have done this and it's solved all their problems with their phone.

tmwes

I have

{edit for TOS violation}

and installed the latest update (kept it stock and rooted) and I still have the problem. I don't want to put a custom ROM on because I'll be passing this phone on to my wife soon.

I unrooted and went back to stock; still have the same issues.

vettz500

When you rooted did you install a newer version of the radio for the phone? There are always new version rolling out that you can choose from. That was an issue with the Thunderbolts initially, then the new version of the radio came along and data issues were solved for the most part.

If you don't want to go as far as flashing a new version of the radio and or putting a custom ROM on it and just wait for the VZW update this work around should work to keep you from having to restart the phone to get the data connection back.

Menu, settings, Wireless & Networks, then make sure Mobile Network or Mobile Internet (Which ever one your phone has) is checked and turned on.

This is what is most likely causing your phone to drop the data connection and never connect again until a reboot.

Its an issue with the battery saving part of the software, its designed to shut off the data connection when lost and stay off for a certain amount of time before it try's to connect again to keep the battery from being drained.

This happens a lot with my Thunderbolt, and it is annoying, but until we get a major update (Hopefully Ice Cream Sandwich) this work around is better than rebooting each time .

tmwes

I'm curious as to what my TOS violation was.

Anyway, I was fed up enough yesterday when I lost data signal and happened to be right near a VZW store. I went in, they looked at a couple of things, and they are sending me another one that I'm supposed to get tomorrow.

If my 'new' Bionic does the same thing, I will certainly be talking to someone about why I've been paying for data for the past couple of months when it doesn't actually work.

tmwes

Well, I learned one thing yesterday...it isn't the phone.

My 'new' Bionic did the same thing 3 times since I got it yesterday...lost data completely.

nadolski_ssw

Hi, I made a Forum account just to reply to this. Im having the same problem here for the pas two days. I had a Droid before the Boinic and never had a problem out of service. I got the Bionic and its been about a month since I got it. Two days ago I been losing my 3G. Ive rebooted etc and it dont work . Im upset now cause I thought this was best on market(besides Razr).

I also have mine rooted stock android cause no great Roms I like. So its not like I can hand them back the phone and demand a new one. Im in Talladega Alabama

tmwes

Well, the latest update was just pushed to my phone. I reset to factory after install, and am crossing my fingers that my data woes are gone.

tmwes

New update does NOT fix the issue. My ride to work this morning:

1. Leave house, phone should swap from WiFi to 3g. Once out of WiFi range, no data.

2. 20 minutes later, phone suddenly has 3g

3. 10 minutes after that, phone seamlessly switches from 3g to 4g.

4. 15 minutes after that, phone loses data completely, and never reconnects until I get to my office WiFi 20 minutes later.

I've absolutely had it with this phone.

Jsg420

I am also having the same issues in Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe New Mexico. The problem started when 4G was launched in the area. I am having the issue on both by Bionic and my Samsung MiFi card. I had both of these devices before the 4G launch and did not have any issues with them at that time. I have called Verizon many times and have had trouble tickets open on ly to hear nothing back from Verizon. My last call was last night and I was basically told they know about the issue and I am to just turn my phone off then back on (which does work, but not for very long as I do this 100x's a day). I was told that is only Motorola devices which I do not believe as I am having the issue on my SAMSUNG MiFi. They told me that I could either switch to a non-smart phone or to a non-Motorola smart phone. I asked them if they were going to give me a non-Motorola device and they said no. They also told me that I could limit my phone to only access CDMA netowrk which proves they know they have a problem with 4G network. I bought the Bionic because of all the hype that Verizon put into it before it came out and for the speed that they promised the device would have. ALL I WANT IS FOR MY PHONE AND MY AIR CARD TO WORK! I am paying over $200 dollars a month for my service that I am NOT GETTING. I have never had any other issues with Verizon before the 4G launch.

kalel51

I have documented my problems to Verizon since I got my Thunderbolt, here is a synopsis:

First month, disconnecting for no reason, 4G icon on phones goes out, but I have full bars. Then it mysteriously comes back on, works for a few minutes, then is out again. I go to Verizon store, Hard reset of phone. Issues stop for about a month.

Third month, problems again. I call in, go to store, their advice, replace the handset. THEY ARE STILL NOT ADMITTING TO A PROBLEM, but they replace my SIM card. They say that is has not been an issue. My favorite line from the phone techs is; "I have a T-bolt, and that doesn't happen to me." So I guess because it is not their problem, they do not care. After more problems, I finally, I get sent a New TBOLT. Works fine for two months.

Month 6: Problems connecting again. This time I also have a MiFi, and that is not disconnecting at all. I get lied to by two representatives, saying they will put a line trace on my phone. After all of this and arguing for three hours on the phone (on two different occasions) they want to send me ANOTHER TBOLT! None of the things the techs have done have solved anything. No update solved the problem wither. I explain "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results!" I refuse the third. I make such a fuss that I am refunded ALL of my data fees since I started with the TBOLT (about $180). I get the new Rezound, guess what- STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. I have (sadly) learned to live with it, but every time it happens, I call them and get my data refunded for the day. Maybe when they start realizing it is costing them money, they will fix it.

airsquad9

I have the Bionic...

Received the update with the "fix" for connectivitiy issues and my phone was off service more yesterday than before the update! What is the deal here? Is it the phone, the network, the chip? I'm about ready to switch devices but if it's an issues outside the phone itself I'll just be wasting my time (and money). Is Verizon allowing phone swaps for something else because of this issue?

elc2389

I can't even get access to the update. It tells me that access to updates is unavailable at this time ans ti try again later. I just got 4g in my area not too long ago, and was experiencing the complete loss if data connectivity way before the release of 4g. A friend of mine is a Verizon rep and told me to switch it to strictly cdma mode, and up until four days ago, that's what it was on, and i was still doing at least four battery and sim card pulls a day. Since 4g, its been more like four pulls an hour. I have had three other droids, and have never had this issue. Come the morning, ill be on the phone with Verizon, and they will be giving me a new phone, or ill be filing a formal complaint against them.

wkwaggoner

I have the Bionic. It has data issues. Use airplane on/off and turn off/on many times during the day. Since the update it has gotten worse. I have read a lot about this issue and it doesn't appear to be the phone, the software probably, but the network can be the biggest issue. I have gone to CDMA only and it still does the same thing. I was going to call support, but that seems a zero since others out there have done as such and they still have the problem either right away or after a couple of days. I will wait to see what happens out there but need some "we have a problem and we are working on it" from VZW at this point. A contract is a contract and I've been with VZW since the beginning. Please, let us know what is up. Communication from a communication company is what I require, as do many other loyal clients.

paddlergurl808

Hi All..I've been following a couple of forums since I started having problems with the data connectivity with my droid about a month ago. This phone was working brilliantly when I first got it and now, I'm so frustrated . I mean, I live in Hawaii but come on! This is primarily a work phone and because of the loss of data issue, I haven't been receiving important customer voicemails until a day or two later. I've put in 4 calls to Verizon over the last month and it's still happening. But here's a brief summary of what I've been instructed to do by Verizon reps so far:

1. In the settings menu

-wireless & networks -> mobile networks ->changed network mode to CDMA only (which means only 3G) - so frustrating - why the heck have a 4g phone?

-wireless & networks -> mobile networks ->turn off wi-fi - still no data

-battery & data manager -> data delivery ->check all 3 options listed - still no data

2. Remove the battery everytime I lose data- data was restored after I did this each time but I got tired of doing this continuously during the day.

3. Toggle between airplane mode so I don't have to remove the battery - somewhat effective, it was 50/50 sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't. The last tech support person told me to stop doing this to restore data connection.

2. Get latest update 5.5.893 - Installed it last week & I heard this was supposed to fix the data problem - nope

3. Restart in safemode and see if 3g came on - nada

So finally today, the tech support guy said it might be either 1) the sim card or 2) the update didn't install all the way (what?!?!) Anyway, I have a replacement phone with the update pre-installed and another sim card on the way to me to see if that fixes the problem.

But, on another note, after I talked to tech support today, I came across a forum that said if you have an app like the juice defender, it could be causing the loss of data connectivity. I did happen to have it installed so I've uninstalled and and will see how the phone works the rest of today.

Fingers crossed for a solution sooner rather than later....

p_71287

I just got the bionic on Sunday (3 days ago). I wish I had read this thread before I purchased. I figured by now they would have these issues fixed. I also had 2 droids before this and had Verizon for many years and have never had connection issues. I live in Houston where 4g should never lose connection in such a big city. The biggest problem I have is the failure to switch over to 3g automatically when 4g does not have connectivity in cdma/lte mode...well really the biggest issue is why the efff am I not getting 4g in the first place!!!! Pretty **bleep** about this. Let me know if anyone figures anything out that has not already been discussed. Thanks.

p_71287

Lol right after posting I called *611 and the automated system said they're aware of the 4g problem in my area and are working on resolving the issue. Some hope towards the issue (very little, and at least in my area).

johnnyabgood

I have had similar issues with my Moto Bionic. After speaking with the VerizonWireless they informed me also that this is a known issue. And was very sympathetic to my situation. Actually the support person told me that she sent her phone back within the 14 days because she needed a good connection, and the Bionic did not have it. And since my phone was more than 14 days, I can not receive an update, even if I wanted to pay the difference. She also suggested that I contact Motorola directly. She would transfer me if I wanted, but I had other priorities at the time.

What really irks me about this is that I was in the VerizonWireless store last night and they are still selling the Bionic. When on hold the support lines audio has a sales pitch about how the best phone is the bionic. Isn't this selling under false pretense? They are selling a phone that they know does not do what they allude to.

Sound like fraud to me.

terryt120

I went from a Droid X2 to Bionic. Had I known what I know now, I would never upgraded. I am on my third Bionic, due to no connection, changed sim card as well. I was sold a phone with KNOWN issues, and I am not happy. Verizon really needs to make things work or give us a choice of ANY handset along with our upgrade back.

Xx_Black-out

My Samsung Charge has the same problem all of you have.

When the data connection stops, I've noticed the "data arrows" on the display ALWAYS shows a green upload arrow. It blinks, so I'm thinking the phone is connecting to something...but only uploading.

Anyone else notice this?

mkettyle

I am equally upset about my Bionic --- Countless times I have spoken to a VZW representatives and heard the same thing: the issues are known, pull the battery, switch to airplane mode..I am on my third Bionic..My problems were promised to be addressed with the update --- since the update installed, my data loss is MORE frequent, as is my dibilitating heartburn with the Bionic's problems, I believe that I purchasd e a phone that is defective and the unlimited service data plan I have is actually LIMITED. Limited to working intermitently. I am distressed that Verizon and Motorola will not address this properly.

At a minimum I should be offered a new phone of my choice, a credit for my interrupted data service back to the day I purchased the phone and have my update restored back to the day if was initally available to me this year. It is unbelievable (that the phone is still on the market ! My trust in Verizon and Motorola been completely shattered and left me pondering what to do about my relationship with Verizon.

I have been a loyal VZW fan with 4 smart phones and unlimited data plans on all..This translates into a pricey monthly cell phone bill for me. This is the very first time in all of my years with Verizon that I am thoroughly and completely disenchanted.. I would like for the CEO s of both companies to own the problems and address them in a responsible and equitable way to make this right and restore my trust and faith in both companies.

I would like to hear from other VZW customers who share my distress --- maybe there is strength in numbers......

azrua

I have owned a Bionic since October and up until Christmas Eve it has been performing flawlessly. Now, as I do my Goggling and I see the hundreds of posts about the 4g/3g issue I find myself furious. How can Verizon let this go on for so long? I really don't mind losing the 4g, after all, I really don't see much difference between 4g and 3g anyway, but even though my phone says 3g, it still has no connection. I found another post that listed a handy app called Restore Connections and it has worked most of the time, but it still bugs me that I have to do that anyway. Today however, no amount of restoring, rebooting, toggling, or anything would restore my connectivity. It has been off for a couple of hours now.

I know that the latest update was supposed to fix this issue, does anyone have the number for that update so I check mine? My phone says that I have the latest, but we all know that Verizon rolls these things out piece by piece. My current version is 5.5.893.XT875.

Grrr!

chazfab

I am currently on my 5th thunderbolt due to the lost of data. I have a total of 9 in the last 4 months . My phone was working perfectly until about a month ago. They can not figure anything out , i have done all trouble shooting Ive been asked. I also have had two network tickets opened. I am in the middle of one right now. With all the factory resets and long conversations with the different tier levels I am fed up. They have offered to put me into the droid charge , but after reading this thread and speaking with my boss ( he has the same issues ) it doesn't seem like that is going to be the fix. The supervisor I have spoken to on friday , said that she would be willing to give me an early upgrade * l just upgraded in Aug . I am insulted that she would even suggest that I pay more money to have a working phone. along with paying the data that I don't get to use as well. I see it has --- fix my phone or give me a phone that i would like to have. I actually like my phone alot ( also have spent alot of money on accessories ) . I have a supervisor scheduled to follow up with me tomorrow to let me know what we the next step is , with this is tickets that is open. I am BEYOND fed up/

imissu

I was in love with my Bionic until about a month ago when I lost data connection when it rained & it hasn't been the same since. When I am at work in downtown DC I get spotty data connections. Its very annoying, I've done the restarting, taking the battery out still 4G would come on for a minute then nothing. Yesterday, I was out of data connection for 3 hours. Something needs to be done about this ASAP!!!

miker5

I'm also in DC and most of the time I have no connection at all. Occasionally 4G or3G pops up, but it goes away as soon as you're crazy enough to try and connect to anything. I saw a reference to an app that helps you reconnect, but of course I can't get to the App store (no connection).

The Bionic is the crappiest phone I've ever had.

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/

newkentbionic

It is the equipment. I was having the same problem with my bionic. After going through vw support for months, I finally filed a complaint with the FCC. I filed a complaint for not receiving the services I was promised and having to pay the full price for it. After filing my case was assigned to an executive rep at headquarters. The final resolution was trading the bionic for a convoy 2 phone and a 4G MiFi 4510L moble hotspot, no charges. The convoy is working great and after receiving the second hotspot, the first one was defective, I have been receiving a strong 4G signal. Verizon wants us to believe that the problem is the usage location or tower issues. My case shows that it was the device all along. Reporting a valid complaint to the FCC wil get you a speedy resolution. Your complaint must be about the failure to receive data connection. I hope this helps. Good luck.

KEV815PAN

AT&T is a whole lot worse then Verizon, I will never buy something from them again, take my word for it, the Cell Phone Signal Itself for my previous Apple IPhone 3GS was horrible, I would lose signal completely (no voice calls would be possible if I was too far away from one of their cell phone towers)!

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