MetroPCS PSA: Look to see if your phone's affected

[Gman9831]

Look and see if your phone will be affected by this

This morning, UPS delivered a letter from Metro. I imagine these are being sent to all the area stores/dealers:
"Due to the LTE network integration between MetroPCS and T-Mobile some phone models may experience an incompatibility issue that causes them to lose 4G LTE data connectivity. These phones will need a free software update in order to maintain optimum performance."

"Customers who do not have the latest software version may experience loss of 4G LTE data after July 31st, 2013."

Inside was a microSD card for installing onto phones that can't be updated via OTA.

I immediately updated the store's demo phone, which had been experiencing intermittent connectivity issues for several days which, of course, was taking a toll on the battery, as well as making the phone feel hot.

Since then, data connectivity has been consistent, the phone doesn't feel hot, and the battery isn't draining so quickly.

If you have a Coolpad Quattro, Huawei Activa, LG Connect, LG Esteem, Samsung Craft, Samsung Galaxy Indulge, Samsung Galaxy Attain, or Samsung Galaxy S Lightray, your phone may be affected and may need to be updated.

Correct.

Here's the list of affected models and the latest SW version:
Coolpad Quattro: Coolpad-5860E-AA083
Huawei Activa: M920V100R001C177B324SP01
LG Connect: MS840ZVA
LG Connect (VoLTE): MS840VV5
LG Esteem: MS910ZVE
Samsung Craft: S/W V. R900.DJ07 | LTE S/W V. R900.EF23A
Samsung Galaxy Attain: CDMA: R920.03 M.FG02 | LTE: SCH-R920.GE01
Samsung Galaxy Indulge: CDMA: R910.0.4M.GE06 | LTE: SCH-R910.GE01
Samsung Galaxy S Lightray: CDMA: R940.0.4MGE01 | LTE: SCH-R940.GE01

 

[NIKKISLAYER7]

Does anyone know what version they will be sending out? I have a feeling it will be VV5 since it hasn't officially been released.

 

[SegamanXero]

I am surprised they are updating the Indulge, and even the Craft... I thought they abandoned those phones long long ago...

 

[SegamanXero]

The new firmware version is vv5, Last weekend I went into a corporate store to ask them to update it.

They refused to update it cause of root, but said that I was already on the new firmware and asked me where I got it. I grabbed my phone and walked out, like a boss

The firmware they want to push to our phones is VV5. If you have a custom rom, root, or cant make it to a MetroPCS Corporate store for whatever reason and want the update; you can download the VV5 update and flash it from this very forum. VV5 will work with both first gen (ZV8-A type), and the newer VoLTE Connect 4G phones.

The cab file for VV5 can be acquired [here]

And then follow the instructions to flash it [here]

and root for VV5 is located [here]

You will have until August 11th to update to VV5 or you will lose data access. Also additionally, if you are moving from a custom rom to VV5 stock, I have found my data to be still intact from moving from Number Two to VV5. Although they do say for best performance it is wise to wipe data when moving from rom to rom.

 

[Gman9831]

I am surprised they are updating the Indulge, and even the Craft... I thought they abandoned those phones long long ago...

There's still some people that have them though and they were guaranteed that their phones would work till 2015

 

[SegamanXero]

There's still some people that have them though and they were guaranteed that their phones would work till 2015

It was the only Android phone with a keyboard on MetroPCS's lineup. They have not since added a comparable phone to that formfactor. When I moved from the Indulge to the Connect, I did consider sticking with the Indulge because of that. But then I took a look at the superior hardware, and how much of a POS the Indulge was (basically a burn for any early adopter). Then I pulled the trigger on the Connect.