Full bars, but still missing calls, no data, etc

[Mischka07]

Hi all,

Basically, the iPhone shows full bars for reception, but I still miss calls, text messages, and when I try to browse on Safari, I get a "no data connection" message.

This started happening about 4 months ago, but has been progressively getting worse. It used to be once a day (around Noon), then it started to happen around 8 am, Noon and 4 PM. Now, it literally lasts from 8 AM until I leave San Francisco.

I read an article recently, I think it was on Technorati/Engadget, that stated the "full bar no coverage" issue means that your phone does indeed have good connectivity with a tower, but the network is so jammed that you simply won't be able to make/receive calls, use data, etc. I guess the picture is a pipeline that's so jammed up with gunk that nothing can go through.

That said, I was wondering if anyone can confirm/refute this. I suspect it may be my phone too, but I have no idea what would cause this issue from a hardware perspective. My phone is a jailbroken 3GS 3.1.2. Maybe there's a particular app that's causing issues? Maybe it's the jailbreak itself?

Any help appreciated.

 

[rtmadden]

Do you also have a 3G or Edge icon when you have these data issues?

 

[Mischka07]

Thanks for the reminder rtmadden. I do have a 3G icon when these issues occur. That said, I have noticed that from time to time, the 3G icon will disappear, and the AT&T icon appears in its place. At other times, an "O" will show up, which I think is roaming.

That said, when I notice the problem, the 3G icon is usually there.

 

[techguy866]

Like any computer

I always consider my iPhone to be just like any other computer. Every once in a while it just needs a reset. If you notice you are experiencing problems reboot it or use the airplane mode on/off real quick. Then the phone will be forced to reconnect to the network and that might fix it. I make sure to reboot my phone at least every 2 days.

 

[rtmadden]

There are a few simple things you can try:

1. Power off the iPhone, remove the SIM card for a minute or so and then replace it and power back on.

2. Try restoring through iTunes and then jailbreak the iPhone again if you desire. You might want to make a backup before you restore.

3. Contact AT&T and let them know you are having data connectivity issues. I've had data issues in the past that were rectified through action on their end.

4. Why not just bring your iPhone back to the Apple store? If you explain the issue as you explained it here, they will almost definitely swap the phone out.

Of course, the issue could always be with the network and not your device. But if you replace the unit, you can remove that variable from the mix.