Issues with Data with full signal

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darkspearxz

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Topic # 127546 14-Aug-2013 11:41

Hi guys,

I recently switched to Telecom mobile after having issues with Vodafone dropping my calls every 30 seconds and after too much being pushed away I just decided to leave. But on Telecom now I'm having a new issue, in a few places especially at the University of Auckland city campus, I'm having a problem with spotty data connections. A lot of the time I have a full signal bar and I'm indicated to be connected to HSPA+, but I'm failing to have anything going through downlink or uplink. I'm just wondering if that means the capacity of the towers can't accommodate all the users or if its another issue? Any input would be great, thanks.

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Reply # 877019 14-Aug-2013 11:41

Hello... Our robot found some keywords in your post, so here is an automated reply with some important things to note regarding broadband speeds.

If you are posting regarding DSL speeds please check that

- you have reset your modem and router

- your PC (or other PCs in your LAN) is not downloading large files when you are testing

- you are not being throttled by your ISP due to going over the monthly cap

- your tests are always done on an ethernet connection to the router - do not use wireless for testing

- you read this topic and follow the instructions there.

Make sure you provide information for other users to help you. If you have not already done it, please EDIT your post and add this now:

- Your ISP and plan

- Type of connection (ADSL, ADSL2, VDSL)

- Your modem DSL stats (do not worry about posting Speedtest, we need sync rate, attenuation and noise margin)

- Your general location (or street)

- If you are rural or urban

- If you know your connection is to an exchange, cabinet or conklin

- If your connection is to a ULL or wholesale service

- If you have done an isolation test as per the link above

Most of the problems with speed are likely to be related to internal wiring issues. Read this discussion to find out more about this. Your ISP is not intentionally slowing you down today (unless you are on a managed plan). Also if this is the school holidays it's likely you will notice slower than usual speed due to more users online.

A master splitter is required for VDSL2 and in most cases will improve speeds on DSL connections. Regular disconnections can be a monitored alarm or a set top box trying to connect. If there's an alarm connected to your line even if you don't have an alarm contract it may still try to connect so it's worth checking.

I recommend you read these two blog posts:

- Is your premises phone wiring impacting your broadband performance? (very technical)

- Are you receiving a substandard ULL ADSL2+ connection from your ISP?

I am the Geekzone Robot and I am here to help. I am from the Internet. I do not interact. Do not expect other replies from me.

cbrpilot

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Spark NZ

Reply # 877054 14-Aug-2013 12:01

Indoors or out?

My views are my own, and may not necessarily represent those of my employer.

darkspearxz

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Reply # 877061 14-Aug-2013 12:10

Both

MattEast

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Reply # 877066 14-Aug-2013 12:13

Best thing to do would be see if anyone else is having similar issues (on Telecom), or, if you can, try your SIM card in another handset to isolate whether its your device/SIM card, or the actual network itself.

Matt East

Inphinity

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Reply # 878075 14-Aug-2013 12:53

I was over around the UoA engineering school earlier today and had no issues with dropouts - speeds weren't great, but it's been like that for me recently. Certainly usable though. Galaxy S4 on Telecom.

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darkspearxz

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Reply # 878298 14-Aug-2013 19:14

Alright so I tested it also with my HTC Sensation (I usually use a Note 2) and it gets the same full bars, though the device is 900/2100MHz, so I'm guessing its a 2100MHz tower, and it also has the same issues. On Princes St and around the science building is where I usually have the issues. It comes without warning, one second I'm browsing perfectly and a second later my signal bars change from blue to grey (Android telling me that I'm no longer connected to Google services). This happens indoors and outdoors so I don't think its a penetration issue. I don't actually know anyone who uses Telecom at UoA so I decided to ask here for help. Thanks for the input guys.

michaelmurfy

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Reply # 878302 14-Aug-2013 19:17

Are you using a brand new sim? You're best to call up 0800 800 163 and log a fault / get them to check it out. It could well be congestion on the network or something not doing what it's supposed to.

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
A quick guide to picking the right ISP | The Router Guide | Community UniFi Cloud Controller | Ubiquiti Edgerouter Tutorial

darkspearxz

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Reply # 878308 14-Aug-2013 19:22

I just signed onto a plan about a month ago so yes the sim is quite new, I was also thinking congestion before aswell as it only happens in the CBD most of the time, but I guess I'll pop into a store for some help.

jaidevp

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Reply # 878466 15-Aug-2013 00:28

Which APN are you using?

darkspearxz

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Reply # 878593 15-Aug-2013 10:46

internet.telecom.co.nz

johnr

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Reply # 878652 15-Aug-2013 11:40

darkspearxz: Hi guys,

I recently switched to Telecom mobile after having issues with Vodafone dropping my calls every 30 seconds and after too much being pushed away I just decided to leave. But on Telecom now I'm having a new issue, in a few places especially at the University of Auckland city campus, I'm having a problem with spotty data connections. A lot of the time I have a full signal bar and I'm indicated to be connected to HSPA+, but I'm failing to have anything going through downlink or uplink. I'm just wondering if that means the capacity of the towers can't accommodate all the users or if its another issue? Any input would be great, thanks.

Vodafone have been upgrading many of the cell sites in that area to U900 dual carrier U2100 quad carrier and also 4G / LTE over the last number of months which did impact service

FYI my flatmate is on Telecom and works at the Uni (business school) and the issue sounds like capacity and changing the APN will not help you

darkspearxz

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Reply # 878950 15-Aug-2013 16:49

Thanks for that mate, I was just getting slightly pissed off because all the reps I spoke to was trying to say why am I making such a big deal when I just redial, but they have to realise it eats an extra minute of my usage when I've only used 30 seconds of it and just the inconvenience (driving, etc.). It certainly isn't an isolated issue either, all my family members are having the same issue.

On the Telecom issue, I think you're completely right in that they just don't have enough capacity, as signal strength is never in issue, and it does work fine maybe about 40% of the time.

amsimes

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Reply # 881487 20-Aug-2013 11:48

I replying here as I have an issue on my HTC 1X on Telecom XT which appears very similar to the initial issue described.

Strong Signal (5 bars...) but very poor XT upload/download performance.

SpeedTest connecting to a number of different NZ based locations produces poor latency on pings 300ms+ with ~300Kbps download and ~400Kbps upload or completely fails the speed test routine.

Initial thoughts are n/w congestion/capacity issues with the cell sites around central Wellington. (Telecom under investing again?)

The issue is not replicated on Wifi where the handset's performance is reasonable.

Is my assertion reasonable that it is a Telecom N/W cellsite/backhaul issue or is there something else I should consider?

johnr

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Reply # 881539 20-Aug-2013 13:18

Nope you have considered it all

John

darkspearxz

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Reply # 881551 20-Aug-2013 13:38

Over the last few days I have done a few tests, around Princes St, Auckland CBD to make sure it's not a penetration issue. Right now I honestly think it's a capacity issue and I'm aware that cell towers can't be easily placed. Calling Telecom had them ask me to restart my phone (which obviously doesn't help), so I'm out of ideas, maybe I'll just pack my bags and head back to Vodafone.

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