3G vs. GSM

[crazydj]

Hi guys,

 

I had gotten my first smartphone, a Nokia C5-03 last year when i renewed my contract with my carrier, Singtel. To cut the long story short, i immediately switched the network to GSM instead of Dual Mode, where Dual mode it uses GSM and 3G. I did this because i do not want to incur extra 3G charges in the event the phone automatically uses 3G to send and receive data or whatnot. In a nutshell, i am not sure how this new cellphone technology works because i only use my phone to call and SMS. In my plan, i have nothing that covers 3G data plans or whatnot. Just regular calls and SMSes. That's about it.

 

The thing is that, in some places, i get weak or no network coverage at all while on GSM mode. At these places, i discovered that if i changed my network mode to 'Dual', under my signal bar, i will get a small 3G icon and full bars of network coverage. Basically, my connection is restored for me to call and SMS.

 

Many times, when my peers with Singtel, the whole group of them do not get Signal, i am the only one who is able to get strong network coverage and vice versa. It finally dawned to me that this could be the reason. (Using GSM and Dual (3G included) Mode) Let's take it that using Dual mode utilises 3G while GSM is the default, older technology.

 

 

I have a few questions i would like to ask.

 

1) What are the benefits of using a Dual mode vs. the backward GSM mode?

 

2) Will it incur regular and identical charges as GSM if i only use it for calling and sending SMSes?

 

3) In what instances and situations will it start to charge data if i am using 3G?

 

4) How do i know if 3G is actually being used? (ie. regular 3G icon under the signal bar get larger?)

 

I am really stumped and would like you guys to shed light on this. Thanks.

[kaiq]

I am curious about this also, cos I'm also using 2G old school plan.

 

But I heard those using smart phones have to be careful. There are various item inside the phone that uses data, things like weather report widget, GPS, etc.

[b3nn]

In a nutshell, being logged on to a 3G network does not mean that you will be using data. It only means that if you do choose to use data, you will be using it at a higher rate of speed.

 

All phones give you the option of choosing to use data or not. Be sure to check your user manual for that option.

 

As for dual modes, it means that the phone would look for the lower frequency band of the cellular network spectrum should the phone not be able to find a 3G network to log on to. This spares users the trouble if having to manually having to select the 2G network when being disconnected from the 3G

 

Usually, 2G networks have a wider coverage than their 3G counterparts due to their operation frequency. Which explains why you were still able to get good signal when your colleagues are naught with 3G.

 

You can be logged on to the 3G network without using data. But its pointless as it will only cause your device to consume more power.

 

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Tapatalk

[crazydj]

So what you are saying is that,

 

1) Using a 3G network for calls and sms will not incur additional charges, unless transferring of data is done.

 

2) A 3G network is less reliable than the older GSM.

 

3) Using a 3G network will use more power, hence, prematurely reducing battery life.

 

Are these correct?

[Winners]

From my understanding, if the phone is set to AUTO or DUAL mode, it will utilize 3G mode as first priority. When making analog functions like making calls and SMS, even if it's showing 3G mode, there should be no additional charge because 3G is only meant for data communications.

 

However, do be careful because sometimes if you accidentally press for the Browser function of the phone, 3G data usage charges will kick in until it is terminated.

[crazydj]

From my understanding, if the phone is set to AUTO or DUAL mode, it will utilize 3G mode as first priority. When making analog functions like making calls and SMS, even if it's showing 3G mode, there should be no additional charge because 3G is only meant for data communications.

 

However, do be careful because sometimes if you accidentally press for the Browser function of the phone, 3G data usage charges will kick in until it is terminated.

 

Then how come in dual mode, i can call and sms in places where GSM have no signal at all?

[b3nn]

Then how come in dual mode, i can call and sms in places where GSM have no signal at all?

 

places without GSM signals are least likely to have 3G unless there's a repeater for 3G signals but not GSM.

[crazydj]

So, can you confirm that if i put my phone to "Dual Mode" (Main menu, below the signal bar, a 3G symbol will appear) but this just means that it is using the 3G network and the GSM network at the same time and switching between the two without incurring any additional charges?

 

The issue here is that, i do not want to incur any additional charges. I don't really care which network i use as long as i have a decent and strong signal.

[b3nn]

All you really need to do is to find the option to turn off mobile data.

 

That will satisfy your need regardless if network.

 

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Tapatalk

[Winners]

Both 3G and GSM networks can support calls and data transmissions. GSM uses GPRS, aka 2.5G and is of course slower than 3G for data transmissions. Whether 1 is in 3G or GSM locality, analog calls and SMS will only be charged as per normal regardless of which mode (ie: 3G or GSM).

[crazydj]

So if i use 3G for calls and SMSes, will there be a difference in quality or will both be the same?

[Winners]

For making voice calls, they are still considered as analog calls. However, 3G has the advantage of making video calls. That is why you'll see a second camera on the handset on the same side as the LCD screen. So, if it's a 3G network and a 3G phone being in use, the voice call will still be in analog, but the video call will be in digital.

[crazydj]

Alright thanks man...