Issue with Internet/International Roaming

[Sivy2010]

Hi all, having some issues here with the DROID 2. Just recently switched from a BB Storm to a DROID 2, and was completely satisfied with the switch until a couple days ago. Problem is that I am in Afghanistan and Verizon customer support is not cutting it (reading from a script to fix the problem and they are now going in the wrong direction, blaming the local cellular company).

Issues:

I am unable to connect to connect to the internet. The cellular company verizon contracts through in Afghanistan (Roshan and Etisalat) has good coverage at my location. (I actually have a Roshan phone and currently have internet connection). I am connected through their cellular company on my DROID. I can text and send calls but am unable to get on the internet (and the internet icon is not coming up in the top right corner).

I had internet for the first 3 days I had my DROID in country (Global roaming was activated prior to being sent to me). After the 3rd day it just stopped. I have tried switching over to other networks that "V" has a contract with but to no avail.

Strange thing is that when I put my "V" SIM card back into my BB Storm I get internet signal. According to the DROID (going to About Phone/Status) it says:

Signal Strength: -72dBm 20asu (that's average, it's usually between -85 to -70dBm

Mobile network type: EDGE or GPRS depending on what network I'm connected to. (Afghan is GSM only, and yes, those are in all caps, not lower case.)

Service state: In Service

Roaming: Roaming

Mobile network state: Disconnected

I am not sure what the mobile network state should be. I didn't look when I had internet. Unfortunately I believe that the phone is to fault here. I didn't drop it or anything, but I have pretty much ruled out the network as the problem (since every other phone I have has internet connection).

I have done a factory reset as well, no improvement. I have a feeling the software/firmware has been dumped for GPRS/EDGE network access. I'm no cell phone tech though. (Actually a tech for cell phone jammers, and no, no jammers are messing with my phone. The symptoms don't fit.)

Any ideas?


(sorry for the long post)

 

[travisn000]

My guess is that the Droid doesn't have the correct APN setup for the carriers in that reigon... I know my old Blackberry would download very extensive sets of these.

You might try checking with local cell providers (or possibly copy them from BB?) on how to set these up... this was suggested on another post, but other users seem to think it may be related to carrier codes ?? ...that thread is here:

http://www.droidforums.net/forum/dr...d2-global-south-america-first-impression.html

Good Luck!


EDIT:

Reading farther into that thread, I see that at least one user had to manually configure the APN:
http://www.droidforums.net/forum/dr...h-america-first-impression-2.html#post1003268

 

[travisn000]

It looks like verizon is pushing an update soon for Global customers:

Droid 2 Global maintenance update set to arrive soon, fixes Global calling issues | Android Central

 

[Sivy2010]

Sorry it took so long for a reply. The guy above who said "local provider" was absolutely correct. Vow contacted the afghan provider and they had me blocked from data usage. Why? I have no idea. Maybe I shouldn't have downloaded all the porn on a middle eastern network. Lol

It's been fixed so all is good now. Still up in the air about the switch from BB. The battery life of the DROID 2 is killing me. Networks here in Afghanistan are sketchy at best, the phone is always searching for networks, which really does a number on battery life. Also, email services does not even come close to BB capabilities. I am satisfied that there are fae fewer bugs with DROID though. I was pretty dang tired of battery pulls (even though I had a program that did one automatically everynight.

I do seem to be having a small issue with the touch screen with the DROID: whenever I put my figure on the screen and hold it in one place it jumps around. This is constant. Yeah I have big fingers but have never had this issue with my phone, Storm or POS samsung touch screen. It's not a big issue but playing certain games that involve precision is dang near impossible. Anyone know a fix for this little bug or is just a fact of life for DROID users.

 

[Sivy2010]

Sorry it took so long for a reply. The guy above who said "local provider" was absolutely correct. Vow contacted the afghan provider and they had me blocked from data usage. Why? I have no idea. Maybe I shouldn't have downloaded all the porn on a middle eastern network. Lol

It's been fixed so all is good now. Still up in the air about the switch from BB. The battery life of the DROID 2 is killing me. Networks here in Afghanistan are sketchy at best, the phone is always searching for networks, which really does a number on battery life. Also, email services does not even come close to BB capabilities. Waiting on an extended life battery in the mail right now. I am satisfied that there are far fewer bugs with DROID though. I was pretty dang tired of battery pulls (even though I had a program that did one automatically everynight.

I do seem to be having a small issue with the touch screen with the DROID: whenever I put my figure on the screen and hold it in one place it jumps around. This is constant. Yeah I have big fingers but have never had this issue with my phone, Storm or POS samsung touch screen. It's not a big issue but playing certain games that involve precision is dang near impossible. Anyone know a fix for this little bug or is just a fact of life for DROID users.