LG Fathom on AT&T network

acapde · #1 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 03:21 PM

Just bought this phone (firmware version 4) thinking that it would work fine on the AT&T network but the best connection I can get is just EDGE, any easy solution to get 3G speeds? I've read that unlocking would fix it but I'm not a Verizon customer so I don't think that's a valid option for me... Any suggestion?

cac2us · #2 (**permalink**) 10-15-2011, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acapde

Just bought this phone (firmware version 4) thinking that it would work fine on the AT&T network but the best connection I can get is just EDGE, any easy solution to get 3G speeds? I've read that unlocking would fix it but I'm not a Verizon customer so I don't think that's a valid option for me... Any suggestion?

Welcome to the Fathom World.

I think that the fathom will only show EVDO or EDGE.
But I also think that those are the equilivent to 3G.
I currently use mine for a WiFi office device (great keyboard).
Try searching...

ENJOY....

acapde · #3 (**permalink**) 10-16-2011, 12:24 PM

Hi cac2us,

Thank you for the welcome message.
I believe EDGE is lower speed than 3G, in fact I had an HTC Tilt that I used to switch to EDGE to save battery but I then used 3G when I needed the extra speed. It appears that the LG Fathom is not searching all the bands when in GSM mode (at least when on the AT&T network) for some reason. Thanks again!

pizzaboy192 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-17-2011, 02:39 PM

Have you installed the data settings that are available for AT&T for Windows Mobile? I have a feeling that you're only getting EDGE because it doesn't know how to connect to AT&T 3G. You should be able to find AT&T Data setting CAB files on XDA that will be able to help you get it working.

acapde · #5 (**permalink**) 10-17-2011, 03:35 PM

Hi Pizzaboy,

I've tried a couple of cab files I found and also entered this manually with the same result:

APN: wap.cingular
Username: WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM
Password: CINGULAR1

So, in your opinion, it should work... I was concerned that Verizon had locked some US UTMS bands.

I'll keep trying.

Thank you!

pizzaboy192 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-17-2011, 06:03 PM

According to Phone Arena, the LG Fathom can operate at the following GSM Frequencies:
850, 900, 1800, 1900
AT&T uses: (according to Wikipedia)
850 MHz UMTS/HSPA 3G 1900 MHz UMTS/HSPA 3GWhich means that it should technically work. You may need to force the phone into GSM\UTMS mode and make sure that UTMS is enabled. I know it's possible to set it to GSM only which disabled 3G for battery saving purposes.

acapde · #7 (**permalink**) 10-18-2011, 01:37 PM

Yes, before buying the phone I checked the bands (supported by the phone and used by AT&T) and everything looked fine. However when I try to use the phone, if I use GSM/UMTS the phone always pick GSM (EDGE), if I tried to force ot to UMTS only then the phone just doesn't connect at all. I know I have UMTS in my area because if I put the same SIM in my BB Torch then it picks the 3G signal right away (and with good signal strength)...

n1nj4Lo · #8 (**permalink**) 11-25-2011, 04:30 AM

@acapde - Did AT&T Make you pay extra for data, if you're on the unlimited 50 a month prepaid plan? Are you on that or contract? Just trying to clearify before I jump ship.

returned4good · #9 (**permalink**) 11-27-2011, 08:58 PM

I used mine with AT&T and nothing changed on the bill. I think they probably couldn't recognize the phone so they didn't try to stick me with smartphone charges.

acapde · #10 (**permalink**) 12-17-2011, 10:14 AM

@n1nj4Lo, sorry just saw your post.
My employer pays my bill so I don't even see it.... but still have the problem with the AT&T network, I rarely get 3G in areas where my Blackberry gets it with no problems, so I think the LG is missing a band but, as per the specs, all should be there