XT rural reception worse than CDMA, even non-existant

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › XT rural reception worse than CDMA, even non-existant

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wally22

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#678212 28-Aug-2012 14:59

I have been in contact with Telecom again and they have sent a Motorola Defy Mini to try, that was their response to the suggestion from here to try a Motorola Defy R90. Wonder how much they actually hear when I talk to them:) Also getting suggestions through pm from a Telecom member here.
Watch this space!

eXDee

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#678472 28-Aug-2012 22:36

Sorry, R54 not R90 **
The defy did indeed have good results in consumers tests. But the Defy Mini is a different device altogther. Will be interesting to see how it fairs.

wally22

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#678493 28-Aug-2012 23:06

This doesn't bode well. We did try out a R54 and the signal level was just showing on the indicator but not sufficient to make calls or send texts. The defy mini is being tested as I write. Will know results in the morning .

eXDee

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#678497 28-Aug-2012 23:17

The R54 was the best phone in consumer mag's test. This doesn't look good at all.

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#678570 29-Aug-2012 08:43

wally22: This doesn't bode well. We did try out a R54 and the signal level was just showing on the indicator but not sufficient to make calls or send texts. The defy mini is being tested as I write. Will know results in the morning .

Was this with or without an antenna?? Since in the marginal areas you really do need one as per our private conversation.

This one: http://cellutronics.co.nz/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=115&=SID
Is what I think you really need to have to perform a proper test. Doesn't need to be mounted to a car. But in a marginal area will give you >16dB improvement, which is HUGE!

wally22

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#678669 29-Aug-2012 11:31

The R54 was tested inside the house only, without any external aerial. Which is precisely why I have now put this on the forum. I am feeding the relevant details from here back to the Telecom rep I am dealing with. They do seem to be taking this seriously and with your excellent suggestions I am sure something will be able to be sorted out. The testing last night of the Defy Mini failed as the user did not know how to wake it up. (I swear I DID show them, they just didn't watch!)

eXDee

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#678670 29-Aug-2012 11:36

The R54 as mentioned supports an external antenna connection.
Personally i'd try and whip up a sort of DIY case where the antenna can stick directly to the back of it, would make it a bit awkward sized but it would work nearly everywhere.

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oxnsox

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#678682 29-Aug-2012 12:19

Where is the rep based?

wally22

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#679004 29-Aug-2012 22:08

Rep is based between Piopio and Aria

wally22

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#679586 31-Aug-2012 09:32

Further update.
I tested the Motorola Defy Mini as well as the Samsung Galaxy Y currently in use inside the house and outside, walking around. No chance of making or receiving calls inside. The phones both ring for an incoming call but you can’t connect.

There is a reasonably large area outside where I was able to make and receive calls OK.

The signal strength indicator on the Samsung varied a lot and on the Motorola showed only 1 bar, but the results were the same.
Telecom (Leading Edge) are endeavouring to send out an R54 again, along with with some sort of antenna to do further tests.

Nearly there, I hope

Technofreak

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#679598 31-Aug-2012 09:52

Do Telecom provide or allow the use of a Femtocell or similar?

http://www.argela.com/solutions.php?cid=femtocell&gclid=CPXDxJmpkLICFRBJpgodaVYAGw#over

These things hook up via a broadband connection and provide a localised cell site giving mobile phone service to property that doesn't have good mobile phone service. This would be an excellent solution to your problem. I know Vodafone were doing these at one stage to provide service to poor coverage areas.

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johnr

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#679607 31-Aug-2012 10:05

wally22: Further update.
I tested the Motorola?Defy Mini?as well as the Samsung Galaxy Y currently in use inside?the house?and outside, walking around. No chance of making or receiving calls inside. The phones both ring for an incoming call but you can?t connect.

There is a reasonably large area outside where I was able to make and receive calls OK.

The signal strength indicator on the Samsung varied a lot and on the Motorola showed only 1 bar, but the results were the same.
Telecom (Leading Edge)?are endeavouring to send?out?an R54 again,?along with?with some sort of antenna to do further tests.

Nearly there, I hope

If coverage is that low then you are going to need more than a handset to improve things,

quickymart

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#679887 31-Aug-2012 20:09

I know Blackberrys are good at picking up weak signals, but not sure if that's a viable solution or not (plus they cost quite a bit).

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