Verizon EV-DO problem and a fix

It’s no secret I’ve been using Verizon’s EV-DO network since it first rolled out.  Heck, I was using the 1xRTT service before EV-DO was even available to access email and such.  I am still loving the Rev A upgrade that Verizon rolled out in Houston early this year but have been having a problem with coverage that has been giving me fits, until today.  I spend a lot of time each week in my office at Big Oil Company and rely on EV-DO all day for connectivity, because I don’t like to tap into client networks.  I had been doing this successfully for almost a year until they moved me from one side of the building to the opposite side late last year.  When they did that my ability to connect and stay connected dropped miserably.  I noticed in the Verizon Access Manager that the network was bouncing between BroadbandAccess Rev A (EV-DO) and NationalAccess (1xRTT).  I suspected that being high up in the building (32nd floor) that I was in a fringe area between the two networks and thus the bouncing back and forth between them.  Today I found a simple fix so read on if you’re seeing the same problem.

The reason I suspected that this network bouncing was the root of my problem was because I had seen it before.  When Verizon first rolled out EV-DO a few years ago it wasn’t deployed everywhere and I frequently found myself in a similar network bouncing situation.  What happens is that the fringe signal is fluctuating and when it sees the slower 1xRTT network as the stronger signal it auto-switches and vice-versa.  Unfortunately when you are in an area that is right on the edge of a coverage spot the modem keeps toggling between the two.  I worked with Verizon tech support way back then and they showed me a hidden way to force that old modem to stay at EV-DO no matter what.  This solved my problem back then and since I’m experiencing what I believe to be the same thing now I have been searching for a way to force my current modem to stay at EV-DO.  The theory is this would prevent the modem from bouncing back and forth and let me stay connected to the network for longer than just a minute or two.

I spoke with someone who wishes to remain anonymous who showed me how to do what I needed to see if it would fix my problem.  Open up the Verizon Access Manager program and while disconnected from the network hit CTRL-D.  Enter the password “diagvzw” in the dialog that pops up and you’ll see a dialog where you can change a couple of modem settings.  Hit SETTINGS and you’ll see this box:

The default preferred operating mode is AUTOMATIC which is what lets it bounce back and forth.  CDMA mode is the 1xRTT for NationalAccess and HDR is EV-DO (BroadbandAccess).  Select HDR and go back to the VZAccess Manager and you’re all set.  I did this early this morning and I’ve had a continuous connection, albeit slow due to low signal, for hours.  This is a big step forward for me as I would usually find myself unable to connect reliably (or stay connected) for most of the day.  Please note that if you change this setting you are on your own as it’s certainly not supported and by all means do NOT change anything else.  You might render your modem useless.  I use the Sierra Wireless AC595 modem but I believe this will work on any of them.

Comments

[JeffGr]

I'm surprised that Verizon has this so hidden. In the Sprint connection menu, it is on the settings screen in the Connection Manager software. The settings screen does have a pull-down that you have to switch from "General" (the default) to "Sprint PCS Vision", but it isn't really hidden on an advanced screen or anything like that (and it certainly isn't password protected). The "Mode" section of the dialog gives you radio buttons for "Automatic", "EVDO" or "1xRTT Only".

[James Kendrick]

JeffGr, this is exactly why I have posted this here. Verizon is the only carrier that insists on hiding this sort of thing.

[Ken]

Bugger. We're using the PC5470 Curitel cards and all it shows is three options: Manual Activation, Mobile IP and Field Test. None of which lets you change the options above. :P

[Mark]

keep in mine you will want to switch things back to auto when you use data service in rural area's EVDO is maninly built out in metro/higly populated area's only. 1xRTT can be used any where you have voice service, the same cannot be said for EVDO.

[John]

Is there a way to do the same with Dell mobile Broadband Card utility (built in EV-DO modem)? Thanks!

[John]

Hello! Anyone there knows how to select ONLY EV-DO in built-in Dell Mobile Broadband card utility?

[Neocron79]

Thank you so much! I have been experiencing the same problem with my 595U card and the verizon techs have been absolutely no help. When I asked about disabling NationalAccess connectivity and only use BroadbandAccess, I was told that can't be done due to the card being designed to be backwards compatible. Thank god I did not listen to them. I have my 595U plugged into my desktop computer, so I never roam and therefore never need the roaming capabilities of NationalAccess. And considering Verizon is bilking it's subscribers $60 a month, I refuse to pay that price for NationalAccess... which for all intent and purposes is far worse than even AOL dialup. You and your un-named friend are hero's in my book. Thank you. :)