Google ANDROID 2.3.4, User Manual

Page: 58 / 384

Connecting to networks and devices 58
AUG-2.3.4-105 Android User’s Guide
Connecting to mobile networks
When you assemble your phone with a SIM card from your wireless service provider (if
necessary—CDMA phones don’t use a SIM), your phone is configured to use your
provider’s mobile networks for voice calls and for transmitting data. (Refer to your
phone’s owner’s guide and your carrier for more information.)
Your phone is configured to work with many mobile carriers’ networks. If your phone
does not connect to a network, contact your carrier for assistance. For GSM phones,
you may need to obtain the details of its access point name (APN) or other details; see
“Edit or create a new GSM access point” on page 60.
Different locations may have different mobile networks available. You may need to
configure your phone to use the fastest (4G) networks. You can also configure your
phone to use only a slower 2G network for data to extend the life of your battery
between charges. You can even configure your phone to access a different set of
networks entirely, or to behave in special ways when roaming.
The icons in the Status bar indicate which kind of data network you’re connected to
and the voice and data network signal strength.
Network status icons turn green if you have a Google Account added to your phone
and the phone is connected to Google services, for syncing your Gmail, Calendar
events, contacts, for backing up your settings, and so on. If you don’t have a Google
Account or if, for example, you’re connected to a Wi-Fi network that is not connected
to the Internet, the network icons are white.
When you’re connected to slower networks, you may want to postpone using your
phone for data-intensive tasks until you are connected to a faster network again, or
find a Wi-Fi network to connect to. See “Connecting to Wi-Fi networks” on page 61.
Connected to a WiMAX-based 4G network
Connected to a 4G network
Connected to a 3G network (UMTS or HSDPA)
Connected to a network with speeds between 3G and 2G (EDGE)
Connected to a 2G network (GPRS)
The more bars are lit, the stronger the wireless signal
Connected to another wireless service provider’s network (roaming)