How To: Force 3G Connection Instead of Switching To Slower EDGE

October 18th, 2008 • Mark Guim • Filed Under •

If you are in a area well covered with 3G internet speed, you might want to force your Nokia phone to stay on the fast 3G connection instead of automatically switching to the slower EDGE. Some people might prefer to do this if their phone disconnects when the phone is trying to switch between the two. I’ll show you how to do it.

Force Umts
Nokia N95 8GB NAM Using 3G Only

The trick (not a trick… more like a setting) is to change the network mode to UMTS, instead of Dual Mode. You can access this at Settings -> Phone -> Network -> Network Mode -> UMTS. I live in New York City and we’re blanketed with 3G coverage so I’m fine leaving it on UMTS only.

Thanks to Erick from Mobile World Innovation for pointing this out to me. Is this something that you have been using all along? Do you recommend this setting? Let me know.

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  • Joel
    Only using 3G/3.5G when utilizing data connection eg. VOIP calling, Internet-- No significant adavantage with voice calls. Uses more battery.
  • cmomo
    I have a question, does changing from dual mode to umts effect normal call coverage or just data connection? I changed the setting on my n95 to umts and have tried to make a normal call and got the message "no network coverage" this has never happened before and I always make calls from the same seat in my living room! Any info greatly appreciated.
  • Looks like I'm the last to know!
  • yeah mark, i've been using this since i got the N95. i rarely ever use the dual mode unless we're driving thru and area where it's like a dead zone, i.e. the shooting range.

    i stick to UMTS so it never goes to edge...unless, there's absolutely no 3G signal
  • I've been using this setting from the very begging. At least here in Italy it also prevents the phone from roaming (because operators usually buy roaming for gprs/edge only... and flat data plan are not in effect while roaming!)
  • ashu
    I knew this. GSM is to ensure that you remain on gprs only and save you battery if you are moving in and out of 3G network and UMTS if you are in 3G. Dual allows the phone to automatically pick the best network it deems fit then
  • Al Pavangkanan
    I'd like to see an app that makes it easy to toggle through the connection options. We should not have to go so deep into the menus to do so.

    Maybe tie the mode to a certain profile. Like having GSM mode set to General profile and UMTS or Dual mode set to Outdoor profile.
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