I live in an area with no cell service in my house. I have to drive 1/2 mile up the street before service is available. It's a pain, but I've learned to live with it.

I just switched from an ATT Pearl 8100 to the Pearl 8120. When I leave my house it takes 5 minutes before the 8120 indicates that I have cell service, where previously my 8100 would indicate coverage much sooner. If I turn my 8120 off/on, it immediately recognizes that I'm in a coverage area and I can make calls. But if the phone is already on, it still takes 5 minutes for the phone to recognize that cell service is available.

I imagine that the problem is that the phone doesn't search for coverage for several (ie 5) minutes, and I've been unable to find a setting that changes this. I've turned off wi-fi and bluetooth because I thought that might have some impact, but it makes no difference.

Is there a way to increase the frequency of the 8120 scanning for coverage, so that I can use my phone sooner?

Thanks!!!

Wirelessly posted (BB 11020)

There's no way to edit that. Its built in to the OS. You might be able to find a newer OS that might do better. Look at the top of the 8100 forum for the latest OS for the 8120. Good luck!

Wirelessly posted (Verizon 8830)

With each carrier, there is usually an automated number you call to update your phone with all of the cell towers. In fact, I am going to do it for mine now.

would you consider going with t-mobile? they have a service in which you can make calls over your wifi network at home, or any wifi network for that matter (as long as the wifi is using a supported router). I am on the same boat as you are as far as the nearest coverage area is concerned, but with UMA, my reception at home is full bars.