3G Oddness

[Guest Athenon]

I recently got a $30/mo unlimited data plan, and all of a sudden I started using it and my phone likes to stay connected to 3G permanently, even when I'm not using it, resulting in an annoying loss of battery.

Does anybody know why or how to fix it?

[Guest jdm0830]

hmm, i can see one problem. u can get away with paying 20bucks for unlimited internet. but for ur other problem idk.

[Guest su6oxone]

Have you used the "bandsel.exe" program to select only 3G (WCDMA) for your network? Switching between 2G and 3G can drain the battery quickly.

I recently got a $30/mo unlimited data plan, and all of a sudden I started using it and my phone likes to stay connected to 3G permanently, even when I'm not using it, resulting in an annoying loss of battery.

Does anybody know why or how to fix it?

[Guest Athenon]

It doesn't switch, it just won't disconnect from the 3G data connection :)

Have you used the "bandsel.exe" program to select only 3G (WCDMA) for your network? Switching between 2G and 3G can drain the battery quickly.

[Guest Sed8ed]

You can disconnect the data part under settings.

If you browse to the "connection" and then go to Wireless Manager youll see the bluetooth and phone connection buttons....if you are running a data connection it states it under the phone symbol....you can disconnect the data connection at this screen......

I know it's not a simple fix but it should save battery.........

[Guest Athenon]

Yeah, the problem with that is I think I have to turn the phone feature off completely then back on...but it's a temp fix, it'll work for now, better than rebooting phone. Thanks!

You can disconnect the data part under settings.

If you browse to the "connection" and then go to Wireless Manager youll see the bluetooth and phone connection buttons....if you are running a data connection it states it under the phone symbol....you can disconnect the data connection at this screen......

I know it's not a simple fix but it should save battery.........

[Guest thelostsoul]

It depends what you're using. If you were using a mail application or syncing an activesync account, it's likely holding the connection to keep syncing (eg. for push mail). If you're using an IM program, make sure you're closing the program/signing off when you're done. Use the task manager (press and hold menu) to ensure you're closing applications and not just minimizing them.

Another thing you can do is set the connection timeout on idle. Press start - settings - (more) - connections; Then menu - advanced; then menu - options. On this page, you'll see "Idle disconnect after.."

But remember, unless you use bandsel.exe, as su6oxone mentioned, to use only EDGE, it'll always try to use the fastest available network. And if you always have something that uses the network running, it's always going to be using 3G in a 3G area.

[Guest Athenon]

I figured it out! When you bring up the wireless connection settings, the right soft button brings up a menu...and among those options are "Disconnect Cellular Data" - works great.

Thanks guys!