Issues with Samsung S6 Network Registration

[PhilipWS]

I have recently purchased a Samsung S6 128GB phone.  I purchased it directly from the manufacturer as recommended by by local Vodafone shop because they could not supply me with one.  I am on a pay monthly contract.

I've configured the phone using the Samsung preloaded firmware for Vodafone PAYG and and set the phone up.  From my own testing everything works ok and I can see no obvious mistakes in what I have done.  I've received a configuration message from Vodafone and have also installed the parameters supplied.

I am experiencing a major issue with the way it registers on networks in the UK.  Where the signal is really strong there is no problem.  However, where it starts to become weaker the phone deregisters from Vodafone and finds an alternative UK network allowing me "Emergency Calls Only".  I have to either find better coverage or register manually...  and this re-registration often doesn't hold up for long.  It evens happens at home where I have fully functioning Sure Signals.  To get the phone to maintain its registration I have to have "line of sight" to the SS.  Other people in my family have other phone brands and are having no issues at all.

I am at a loss as to what to do.  I cant find any more parameters or settings to check.  I'm wondering whether Vodafone directly supplied phones have a firmware modification to override this issue.  Any advice gratefully received.

Phil.

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi,

Welcome to the eforum. 

Can you try your Sim Card in another phone as a process of elimination to rule out the phone or sim card that may be at fault. 

Can your family members try their SIM card in your phone again as a process of elimination. 

In your phones settings is it set to search out a Network manually. If so try choosing Vodafone exclusively. 

Vodafone on Branded Handsets test out firmware to ensure it does not clash with its Network.  

@thesoupdragon can you think of anything else with this ?

[PhilipWS]

Many thanks.  I will try the SIM card swaps when I can.  I've also confirmed automatic network search to Vodafone.

[thesoupdragon]

Thanks for pulling me into this one @BandOfBrothers

@PhilipWS

You mention you are on a monthly Sim only contract but then say you set the phone up with PAYG settings?

The question is, are you on a Monthly tariff which means at set up you would select Vodafone Contract.

Or are you on pay as you go (payg) which means you buy credit each month? Then at set up you would choose Vodafone PAYG.

If you chose the wrong one at set up, that would explain the difficulty in staying connected.

[BandOfBrothers]

Good spot @thesoupdragon 👍🏻

[PhilipWS]

I regret that was particularly inept drafting on my part.  I'm on a monthly contract and have set it up that way.  Sorry.

[thesoupdragon]

Don't be sorry... 😉

You would be surprised how many people have chosen the wrong setting... lol

I think it's probably the Sim? If you get it exchanged and the issue is still there, then it must be a hardware fault...?

Not uncommon for Samsung's to have aerial faults. Easy fix at a repair centre. 😊

[PhilipWS]

Thanks.  I will try to get a new SIM this week...

[BandOfBrothers]

Have you been able to test another sim in it. 

If it is faulty you should have a 30 day swap out option. 

[PhilipWS]

I went back and confirmed my preferred network option.  This appears to have "done the trick".  Although the reception isn't as good as my previous S4 it is now much better than it was.  Thanks for all of the help.