Re: N97 Coverage / Signal / Reception

bascombe · 18-Jul-2009

Just wanted to bump this post, also having significant probs with n97 that are not replicated by the n97 in the same areas. Would be helpful to know if the new firmware had any effect on this?

Message Edited by dazz19 on 19-Jul-2009 06:35 AM

ahmadddd · 19-Jul-2009

bascombe wrote:
Just wanted to bump this post, also having significant probs with n97 that are not replicated by the n97 in the same areas. Would be helpful to know if the new firmware had any effect on this?
Message Edited by dazz19 on 19-Jul-2009 06:35 AM

I have the N97 NAM version and I use it with T-Mobil USA, I just send it to Nokia care for checking, the lady there told me that she have the N97 and never faced any reception issue while the other lady at the counter told me that her N97 reception level is lower than her E71 but I couldn't get more information from her !

They said it will take up to 10 business days to fix my phone, they said they might call me next week to inform me about the status of my phone, I will keep you updated !!

For me, if it turns that the phone is ok and the reception problem is a design flow, I will difinately will sell it on ebay and consider other brands from US carriers as they will let me pay $ 200 only with 2 years contract ($70/Month) which is cheaper than my N97 which coast me $700 + paying the same monthly rate for Voice and Data Plan !!

wratty · 20-Jul-2009

N97 on v11.0.021.213.02 (vodafone) if anything the signal is wose since the frimware update!!

.... although today vodafone have said a local mast is broken and should be fixed in 2/3 days and have knocked £10 off my bill...So I may be being a bit premature in thinking there is an issue with the N97 signal sensitivity. But from reading this threas, it seems as if there IS a problem with the phones signal pick up capabilities.

I'll update this is couple of days when vodafone say they have completed their repairs.

au_n97_user · 20-Jul-2009

I've got a RM-507 (NAM version) unbranded, in Australia with a Telstra SIM.

No complaints about reception and call quality is excellent. I haven't had less that a full signal bar since I got the phone. I have not yet been out in the country.

bubbauk · 20-Jul-2009

I returned my N97 as the signal coverage was so poor - using the same vodafone SIM that I've used on my N95 without any problems has resulted in dropped calls (I'd guess at about 50%) & lack of signal in locations I regularly used the N95 and where the 5800 gets a signal with the same SIM.

I can live with silly widget firmware bugs but I can't run my business with a phone that doesn't phone.

V11 didn't make any difference whatsoever - if anything, picking up a WiFi signal went from bad to worse (3 minutes to lock onto my home WiFi for example; the N95 & 5800 pick it up in seconds). I thought I had a bad phone but seems from the forums (and a hint from the Nokia helpdesk guy) that the problem is endemic with the N97.

ievans · 21-Jul-2009

I too have an N97 on UK Vodafone, and have had poor reception problems, where my N95 never suffered. I have tried the V11.0.021 software update, but its no better. I've put the SIM into a new E66, and the reception on that phone is back to normal. In addition to poor reception, I've had issues with the N97 locking up, qwerty keypad not lighting up, unable to answer calls and so on. I think I'll be sending mine back

ahmadddd · 21-Jul-2009

I have both the reception and GPS locking issues, my GPS wont lock easily and takes very long (up to 25 Minutes) to look if I don't use the assisted feature as I don't have data plan !! I read that with data plan it should connect within a minute !

I hope these issues can be fixed by software update or fixing the device internal aerial if it is defective, I am still waiting for Nokai Care Reply !!

Message Edited by ahmadddd on 21-Jul-2009 03:45 AM

wharrior · 21-Jul-2009

Agree - I am with Vodafone, and signal is poor compated to N96. N97 also struggles to find GPS.

roz_n97 · 23-Jul-2009

bubbauk wrote:
V11 didn't make any difference whatsoever - if anything, picking up a WiFi signal went from bad to worse (3 minutes to lock onto my home WiFi for example; the N95 & 5800 pick it up in seconds). I thought I had a bad phone but seems from the forums (and a hint from the Nokia helpdesk guy) that the problem is endemic with the N97.

I am relieved (but not much) that I'm not the only one who's having major issues with WLAN connections...

/discussions/board/message?board.id=smartphones&message.id=151041#M151041

Cheers,
"ROZ"
N97 on GiffGaff
Started to grind to a halt until I hard reset it - still a lot slowly than my wife's iP4

ringring · 26-Jul-2009

I have a N97 on Vodafone and am in the process of cancelling the contract and returning the phone, the signal hits one bar at most. Phone gets red hot and eats batterys, no apps runing !

meak · 26-Jul-2009

I have similar problem in US (North East AT&T coverage) I'm running around with my N97 and 5800 and comparing signal strength. Seems like reception on 5800 is not only always stronger compared to N97 but also more stable. Nokia N97 signal strength display many times is fluctuating where on 5800 stays on more steady.

I did call Nokia and have spoken with Level 2 technician but he couldn't help me. His recommendation was to send phone to Nokia to determine if there is a issue or repair.

Does anyone was able to repair or correct that issue, or have their headset repaired by Nokia to correct this issue?

leo_ · 26-Jul-2009

earlier someone posted a response saying its a manufacturing defect, something to do with the central antenna, ask some1 in store about it

meak · 26-Jul-2009

What store are you referring to?

ahmadddd · 27-Jul-2009

I have the same issue on T Mobile USA, I send it to the service center and they didn't fix it as they only updated the phone and return it back to me !!! I sent it again two days ago as it still has the same reception issue !!

I beleive if they can't fix the problem, they have to change it !! but what if the new one have the same issues ? if this will be the case I guess that means it it is a hardware design problem and they should return my money back !!

I want to get my money back as I beleive this is a Hardware design design issue !

meak · 27-Jul-2009

Yeah, same here. I was hoping to correct that issue thru software upgrade but if that is a hardware issue and if bad component can bereplaced then I will return my phone.

asandino · 27-Jul-2009

Well I am with the 3 Network in the UK. I had this phone for just over two weeks I have the same problems with reception being really poor at home. At work is fine because I have full bars with the 3.5G.

I think the issue is when you go to other areas when it tries to change between 3.5G, 3G or normal network.

At home the coverage is horrible with the N97. The reception bar goes up and down like a rollercoaster even if I don't move the phone.

It's so frustrating I had the phone this long becauseI was waiting for the new Firmware update which I thought would fix this, finally 3 realeased this new firmware fix last week but the reception still has the same problems. I have alredy reported this to 3 (which BTW they have to call me on my landline or my spare mobile because I can not keep a decent conversation with them to report the faul) They have escalated the issue and I should be hearing from them in the next 48 hours. I might be cancelling my contract and everything if this is not fixed.

I am afraid it they can not fix it which I really doubt it I will have to sadly return this phone.

I really like the phone but what good is it if I can use it for so many things but for the one thing that shuold work regardless which is to make and receive calls is having serious issues.

N97 Black unlocked using the 3 Network (UK). Product Code 0586308. Firmware V20.0.019. Made In Finland.Custom version V20.019.235.10.

ringring · 27-Jul-2009

My N97 has just been sent back.

LIke the other poster above I have to be called on my other mobile or house phone becasue the N97 wont hold a signal of more then one bar even though I can see the transmitter mast from my window.

My Sony E phone gives me max signal on all networks, the N97 gives one bar at best and even then it drops that most of the time.

Its pretty much put me off Nokia as a brand, I tried a friends iPhone and was pretty impressed.

simonruane · 30-Jul-2009

I live in Germany

I've got the same problem

My N97 has mostly three bars less than my old broken Nokia 6290

I wonder if when I replace the Phone the reception will be better and if they build the phone differently

But I don't want to change it into another Phone, because the other features the Phone has are just too great

ddkcorp · 31-Jul-2009

same problem, i lived in Indonesia using Indosat network.The signal is 3 bars below my nokia 5800XM even when they are in the same postition.

mauriceperks · 31-Jul-2009

I am with Orange in the UK and my signal strength has significantly decreased from my E61i. There is also the problem that wehn going from 3G or 3.5G to lower connectivity there is a break in connection (not seamless) so you lose any calls or downloads. This is a real pain when travelling. I have had the phone replaced and I have upgraded the software. There is no improvement. I cannot get Nokia (from where I bought the phone) to acknowlegde that I want my money back. Personally I doubt that a firmware upgrade is going to solve this problem.