Cellular Phones/HSDPA v.s UMTS

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Expert: - 9/3/2009


Question
In our area we do have a weak 3G coverage&i have noticed that only phones with HSDPA have 3G signal but UMTS ones dont have the signal unless you move to a region of a much stronger signal for it to work.So is HSDPA stronger than UMTS in terms of signal?

Answer
UMTS is highspeed data. HSDPA is highspeed data and voice. UMTS is really just the data side of HSDPA. If you talking about non-3G, then that would be EDGE, not UMTS. Whatever phone you have will pick up the signal that is the strongest where you are. If you have a 3G phone, then it will look for 3G and if it can't find it, it will drop down, but it's all automatic. If the phone is not capable of 3G, then it will work EDGE network. If you are referring to AT&T, they don't have any areas where it is only 3G because all of their phones are not 3G today, so they just enhance the area, not remove the lower speeds. If the non-3G phones aren't working, it may be because the radio antennas on these phones are damaged or weak, but it is likely not about the signal. 3G (HSDPA) is not stronger than EDGE. I hope this helps and let me know. Thanks. DebiN

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DebiN

Expertise

I can answer questions on cellular phones, the physical device, the network, contracts, billing, ordering, porting and what to look for when purchasing cell phones. I am located in the United States. I am an expert on BlackBerrys, Treos, HTC devices and iPhones as well as cellphones and aircards. I have over 15 years of experience in both the wireless and wireline world with the carriers. I have a lot of knowledge regarding the wireless providers - their services, prices and policies, both GSM AT&T and T-Mobile) and CDMA (Verizon, Sprint/Nextel). I am very familiar with the individual devices and their specifications. I can also answer questions regarding BlackBerrys, iPhones and other PDAs, both Palm-based and Windows-based. I can troubleshoot most any problem someone is having with their cellular device or with the provider.

Experience

Over 20 years in the Telecom industry working for the carriers with individuals, small business, medium business and large corporations(Fortune 500). Also worked as a professor in Maryland for 10 years teaching telecommunications.

Organizations
I belong to several organizations

Education/Credentials
Master's in Telecommunications

Awards and Honors
Received several awards for papers that I have published over the years

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