topic Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad in Android

Note 3. Finding networks abroad

Cleoriff — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 08:23:02 GMT

I go to Spain a lot. I have never had a problem finding Movistar (preferred network) when I land in Malaga.

Even back in the day before smartphones.... when I used Nokia and Motorola Razr's, connection was quick.

My Samsung S3 connected immediately as well. It found the network automatically

However, I have a major problem since I have changed to a Note 3.

When I turn it on it displays No network. If I attempt to find Movistar it takes an age to 'register' and connect.

I find this quite disappointing (particularly when I can hear other phones have connected)

Any ideas why this should be a problem?

Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad

MI5 — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 08:33:23 GMT

I think it's just coincidence as sometimes when I land somewhere my phone connects immediately and sometimes it takes a while.
Recently, when in Germany it took around 20 mins for my phone to register on a network and that was including me doing a manual network search, so it can be hit and miss.....

Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad

Cleoriff — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 08:49:04 GMT

One question then......would it have anything to do with Smart network switch being ticked (no laughter allowed)

Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad

Beenherebefore — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 08:52:46 GMT

Is it more to do with the construction of the building ?

I always lose signal whenever I'm in my local Tesco and ASDA but never when I'm in my local Sainsburys. Tesco and ASDA are of an insulated, metal clad construction but the Sainsburys is a conventional block/brick construction.

Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad

Cleoriff — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 08:57:11 GMT

The building is no different from when I had my S3.

Actually I never wait till I am inside the building.....I turn my phone on as soon as the plane lands.

I just can't see why I would have problems with a so called 'superior' phone

Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad

MI5 — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 09:02:24 GMT

@Cleoriff wrote:
One question then......would it have anything to do with Smart network switch being ticked (no laughter allowed)

No, it shouldn't make any difference.

Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad

Cleoriff — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 09:09:20 GMT

I have to say once it has found Movistar, it remains constant and never drops out when I am in Spain

When I land back in the UK it finds O2 immediately.

I just find it so annoying that this is happening with a 'smarter' phone.

Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad

jonsie — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 10:28:14 GMT

I had a similar problem in Thailand strangely enough. The Note 2 with an EE sim found DTAC immediately whereas the Note 4 with the O2 sim found AIS after 3-4 minutes. I wonder if it's simply a learning curve for the 'smart' phone, the Note 2 was originally Thai whereby it was the first time I had taken the Note 4 from these shores?

No doubt I will know in April....

Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad

Cleoriff — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 11:02:11 GMT

In fairness @jonsie I was prepared to give the Note 3 the benefit of the doubt when I travelled in December

I thought ok....now you have found Movistar 'eventually' ....you should have no problem when we come back again.

In January it was just the same. (In fact I was off the plane and got to passport control before it found the network) A good 10 minutes....

I can't be alone thinking that 'It could do better'...

Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad

Cleoriff — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:15:51 GMT

Just revisiting this thread to update.

I am pleased to say THIS time (on the third visit back to Malaga) the Note 3 found the network immediately.

I was going to switch to GSM only to try...but thought No.... I will give 'her' one last chance...

Landed...turned phone on as we were taxiing up to the gate....a few seconds later my text from O2 came in telling me I was now roaming....

So all good to go. Must have heard me having a moan....

Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad

jonsie — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:20:04 GMT

Probably feels at home now

Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad

Cleoriff — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:22:51 GMT

@jonsie wrote:
Probably feels at home now

Oh she must do.........Since I have been here I have been to 5 of my favourite haunts...she picked up their Wifi without me even getting it out of my bag....

Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad

jonsie — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:30:01 GMT

Nice when everything works as it should. I presume the majority of your favourite haunts sell alcohol

Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad

Cleoriff — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:33:46 GMT

@jonsie wrote:
Nice when everything works as it should. I presume the majority of your favourite haunts sell alcohol

Well 3 of them do...the other 2 sell meals....oh yeah....and alcohol

Re: Note 3. Finding networks abroad

jonsie — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 13:37:42 GMT

@Cleoriff wrote:
@jonsie wrote:
Nice when everything works as it should. I presume the majority of your favourite haunts sell alcohol
Well 3 of them do...the other 2 sell meals....oh yeah....and alcohol

Of course they do....