No GSM only option?

[usual_suspect]

This is strange. I have an unbranded bought sim free HTC sensation here in the UK which Im using on the 3 network and I dont have the option under network to set it to gsm only. I thought this option should be here on an unbranded handset, and its there on my old Desire which was also bought unbranded sim free when Im using that on the 3 network.

Is this normal on the Sensation? I know the work arounds, but Im more interested in why the option is missing on my handset.

Cheers

 

[peterc10]

I may be misunderstanding the problem. Have you just tried switching Mobile network off. Menu > settings > wireless & networks > and untick the Mobile network box. Or I have the HTC mobile widget on one of my home screens to do the same.

 

[usual_suspect]

yes, I think you misunderstand.

There's no problem with mobile network and I can turn that on/off anytime from either settings or with the widget.

I'm talking about manually switching between WCDMA and GSM, the setting comes under settings>mobile network>network mode.

On an unbranded handset you should have 3 options:
WCDMA
GSM
WCDMA and GSM auto


I dont have the GSM only option which is strange.

I know the workaround where I can enter a code and set it from there, but I'd still like to know why its missing from the settings menu. It was there on the Desire, does the sensation not have the option under settings?

Cheers

PS It comes in handy to have this option in case your out in the sticks and it keeps auto switching between 3G and GSM draining battery, in these circumstances your better off just switching to GSM only until your back in a built up area.

 

[Lucky Thirteen]

Well.... it's there for me.

Bell phone on the Telus network.

 

[usual_suspect]

Damn, It must be something to do with my sim card then, strange though, because if I put the sim card in my Desire the option is there

I'm using the latest unbranded European firmware 1.45.401.2

Here's a pic of the options I have...

 

[claudenegm]

Damn, It must be something to do with my sim card then, strange though, because if I put the sim card in my Desire the option is there

I'm using the latest unbranded European firmware 1.45.401.2

Here's a pic of the options I have...

Go to ur dialer, write *#*#4636#*#* choose Phone Information.
You should find there Set preddered network to, change it to GSM only.

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e

 

[peterc10]

Aaaah now I understand

I have a UK unlocked Sensation (with O2 SIM) and I have the three options listed. And I am 1.45.401.2 with build number CL125597 release-keys.

If you have Battery Monitor Widget Pro, you can get into the detailed phone information by hitting the tests button. So that will save you a lot of dialling. Mine is set at WCDMA preferred. There is no option for GSM preferred, just GSM/CDMA auto (PRL). Not sure what the PRL stands for.

 

[ykcorse]

I have the same problem, I cant see the "only GSM" option
I had this option available in my old htc legend using the same sim card I am using now, so I think it is not a simcard problem...
I have tried several roms and the "only GSM" option is not available for me in any of them...
My guess would be vodafone is doing something, at least for htc sensation in spain, a couple of friends have the same probem

 

[usual_suspect]

Aaaah now I understand

I have a UK unlocked Sensation (with O2 SIM) and I have the three options listed. And I am 1.45.401.2 with build number CL125597 release-keys.

If you have Battery Monitor Widget Pro, you can get into the detailed phone information by hitting the tests button. So that will save you a lot of dialling. Mine is set at WCDMA preferred. There is no option for GSM preferred, just GSM/CDMA auto (PRL). Not sure what the PRL stands for.

You have exactly the same build number release keys as me, so it must somehow be interacting with the sim card. Which is strange because it doesnt do this on my Desire. I do have an apk for a free copy of the latest version of battery monitor widget pro, I might take a look. For now the option is only there if I dial that code with the 4636 numbers included in it.

 

[usual_suspect]

Go to ur dialer, write *#*#4636#*#* choose Phone Information.
You should find there Set preddered network to, change it to GSM only.

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e

Yeah that does work ,cheers. Is there any way I can force the option to show under network mode though? Its easier if its there, and im puzzled as to why its not on a non carrier unbranded handset.

 

[peterc10]

You have exactly the same build number release keys as me, so it must somehow be interacting with the sim card. Which is strange because it doesnt do this on my Desire. I do have an apk for a free copy of the latest version of battery monitor widget pro, I might take a look. For now the option is only there if I dial that code with the 4636 numbers included in it.

All the battery widget app does is save you dialling the number - you get exactly the same view.

 

[matt-thepie]

Same issue

Hi there

I have the same issue as the OP. HTC Sensation, uk stock firmware. Used a vodafone SIM in it for 4 months, all (WCDMA/GSM Auto | WCDMA only | GSM Only) options were available. When I put a 3-UK SIM in the phone, the "GSM only" option is not present. So it's obviously something specific in this model, that listens to an instruction from the SIM to hide the GSM only option.

3 do this because they have to pay Orange for 2G calls/texts/browsing and they want you on their own WCDMA network as often as possible. Unfortunately the phone will sit with a very poor 3G signal, making it useless for calls rather than switching to the much stronger GSM signal by itself.

Thanks for the solution with the *# code, it has saved me from rooting my phone

 

[undercover]

Lol. You guys are funny. How do you expect to have gsm only option if 3uk is 3g ONLY? Obviously sensation doesn't offer gsm, as it's not available. Orange roaming is disabled at many areas, so no available 2g is detected whatsoever.

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App

 

[anarchyuk]

Lol. You guys are funny. How do you expect to have gsm only option if 3uk is 3g ONLY? Obviously sensation doesn't offer gsm, as it's not available. Orange roaming is disabled at many areas, so no available 2g is detected whatsoever.

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using XDA App

tinky1 hit the nail on the head... three dont have a gsm network and only supply UMTS enabled sim's the phone reads this and removes the option.. just leave it on auto and when out of range the will move on to the available partner cell sites agreed with orange for gsm and tmobile for umts

 

[usual_suspect]

yep that seems to be whats happening. The point is though, this doesnt usually happen with unbranded handsets and is a known feature of Three branded handsets only. My unbranded desire doesnt remove the gsm only option, neither did any of my previous handsets bough unbranded and sim only. If this is a new feature by htc its unwelcome hehe.